Fruited Holiday Cheese Logs Food

A TRIO OF CHEESE LOGS

Steps:

• Put the cream cheese in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Add the garlic and white pepper and mix until well combined. Divide the mixture into 3 even portions; return one portion to the mixer.
• For the pizza cheese log: Add the pizza blend cheese to the cream cheese mixture and mix well until combined. Remove to a work surface and roll into a log with your palms. (The mixture should be slightly sticky but thick enough to easily roll.) Put the smoked paprika on a shallow dish; roll the log in the paprika until completely coated. Roll the cheese log in a sheet of plastic wrap and refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour. Clean the mixer bowl and paddle.
• For the Cheddar Jack and parsley cheese log: Put a second portion of the cream cheese mixture in the mixer bowl. Add the Cheddar Jack cheese and mix well. Remove to a work surface and roll into a log with your palms. Put the dried parsley on a shallow dish and roll the cheese log in the parsley until completely coated. Roll the cheese log in a sheet of plastic wrap and refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour. Clean the mixer bowl and paddle.
• For the sharp Cheddar pecan cheese log: Put the last portion of the cream cheese mixture in the mixer bowl and add the extra-sharp Cheddar. Mix well. Remove to a work surface and roll into a log with your palms. Place the whole pecans down the length of the cheese log. Put the chopped pecans on a shallow dish, then roll the log in the pecans. Use your fingers to press the pecans more firmly into the cheese. Roll the cheese log in a sheet of plastic wrap and refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour.
• Unwrap the cheese logs and present on a large platter surrounded by plenty of crackers and cheese knives for easy self-service.

CHEESE FRUIT LOG

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 200°C.
• Bake the pistachio nuts on a lined baking tray for 5 minutes, or until golden brown.
• Cool, then chop finely.
• Beat the cream cheese in a medium size bowl until smooth.
• Fold in the dried apricots, spring onions, sun dried tomatoes and black pepper.
• Combine the pistachio nuts with the parsley and spread on a sheet of baking paper.
• Form the cheese mixture into an 8 inch log and roll in the nut mixture.
• Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2-3 hours or until firm.
• Serve with a mix of crackers.

FRUIT-CHEESE LOG

Steps:

• Line square pan, 8x8x2 inches, with 16-inch piece of waxed paper, leaving ends overhanging. Spread pecans evenly over waxed paper in bottom of pan; set aside. Beat cream cheese, Muenster cheese and Parmesan cheese in medium bowl with electric mixer on medium speed until well mixed. Spoon cheese mixture over pecans, using teaspoon; spread evenly. Spoon Cheddar cheese food over cream cheese layer, using teaspoon; spread evenly. Sprinkle with dried fruits; press in lightly.
• Lift ends of waxed paper to remove cheese mixture from pan and place on smooth surface. Roll up cheese mixture, jelly-roll style. (If cheese is too soft to roll, return to pan and refrigerate about 20 minutes or until firm.) Wrap cheese log in waxed paper; place in resealable plastic food-storage bag. Refrigerate about 30 minutes or until firm. Serve with crackers.