Party Cheese Log Food

OH-SO-EASY CHEESE LOG

Steps:

• Mix first 4 ingredients.
• Shape into log; wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate 2 hours.
• Unwrap log; roll in nuts. Firmly press nuts into log to secure.

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.

RANCH DRESSING CHEESE LOG

Steps:

• In a stand mixer, beat together the cream cheese, mayonnaise, buttermilk and dressing mix. Add the Cheddar cheese and continue beating until thoroughly blended. Wrap the mixture in plastic wrap and place it in the freezer for 30 minutes. When firm, shape the wrapped cheese mixture into a log. Spread the pecans out on a baking sheet or a piece of wax paper. Unwrap the cheese log and roll it in the nuts to coat it on all sides. Serve with crackers or bagel chips.

PARTY CHILI CHEESE LOG

Steps:

• Put everything except the chili powder into a mixing bowl and beat until soft and smooth.
• Roll into two rolls, making the diameter of each roll a bit smaller than a round cracker.
• Sprinkle wax paper liberally with chili powder and roll each log to coat well.
• Wrap in wax paper and refrigerate for 3 or 4 days for best flavour.
• Serve with a cheese knife and assorted crackers. Freezes well.

PARTY CHEESE LOG

Steps:

• Place cream cheese in a microwavable bowl.
• Microwave uncovered on medium (50%) 1 minute.
• Stir in remaining ingredients except parsley and nuts.
• Microwave uncovered on medium (50%) about 1 min or until cheeses are softened.
• Beat cheese mixture on low speed until blended.
• Beat on medium speed about 1 min scraping bowl constantly until fluffy.
• Cover and refrigerate 1 hour.
• Shape cheese mixture into 6-inch log shape, using waxed paper; roll in parsley/nuts.
• Cover and refrigerate 2 hours until firm.
• Serve with crackers.