Holiday Cheese Logs Bacon Food

HOLIDAY BACON APPETIZERS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 250 degrees F.
• Lay the crackers face up on a large rack over a baking sheet (or broiler pan). Scoop about 1 teaspoon of the grated Parmesan onto each cracker. Cut the package of bacon in half (or cut pieces individually) and carefully, so the cheese doesn't fall off, wrap each cheese covered cracker with one half piece of bacon, completely covering the cracker. It should fit snugly around the cracker, but not be pulled too taut. Place the bacon-wrapped crackers onto the rack. Place the baking sheet in the oven for about 2 hours. Serve immediately or at room temperature!

HOLIDAY CHEESE LOGS- BACON

Steps:

• Cook the bacon well,finely grind,and reserve 3 tbs of bacon grease. Grind the crackers and stir 1/2 of them into the reserved bacon grease to lightly brown then add back to the other 1/2. Grate and set aside the colby cheese in a large mixing bowl. Add the cream cheese, the fine ground Bacon and with gloved hands mix thoroughly. The cheeses soften during mixing but they will harden back up in the refrigerator. Divide the bowls contents into 4 equal portions, and roll each into a log the diameter of a quarter coin. Roll lightly into the cracker mix and wrap in the wax paper or plastic and refrigerate.

FRUITED HOLIDAY CHEESE LOGS

Steps:

• In a small bowl soak apricots, raisins, and dates in enough hot water to cover for about 30 minutes or until softened. Drain well; set aside.
• Meanwhile, place Monterey Jack cheese and cream cheese in a medium mixing bowl. Let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes.
• Add orange juice to cheeses in bowl. Beat with an electric mixer until well combined.
• Stir in drained apricots, raisins, dates, and salt.
• Divide mixture in half.
• Shape one portion of the cheese mixture into a log about 5 inches long. Repeat with remaining cheese mixture.
• Cover (with wax paper or plastic wrap) and chill logs for 4 to 24 hours.
• Before serving, roll each log in toasted almonds.
• Serve with assorted crackers and/or apple slices.
• NOTE: TO TOAST ALMONDS.
• Spread nuts in a single layer in a shallow baking pan.
• Bake in a preheated 350 degree F oven for 5 to 10 minutes or until pieces are golden brown, stirring once or twice.
• Cool completely.
• Store in airtight container for up to 4 weeks.