Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Complexity: easily
Servings: 8

A dense log of cream cheese and a mixture of grated hard cheeses is topped with a thick layer of cranberry relish and jalapeño peppers. Made with fresh cranberries, the relish is tart, tangy, and sweet, pairing perfectly with the delicate cheese log. This appetizer looks vibrant and is perfect for a Christmas or New Year's party. Place the log on a serving platter, surround it with crackers or baguette toast, and serve with wine or other beverages.

Ingredients:

Cream cheese log

• 450 g softened cream cheese
• 220 g of grated cheese mix (Parmesan, Gruyere, Monterey)
• 1 teaspoon finely grated lime zest
• 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh celery
• Crackers or toast, for serving

Cranberry relish

• 1 jalapeno, seeded and stem removed
• 340 g fresh cranberries
• 1 cup of sugar
• 2 green onions, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon finely grated orange zest

Substituting ingredients
Measuring containers used

1 glass (st.) - 250 ml.
3/4 cup (st.) - 180 ml.
2/3 cup (st.) - 160 ml.
1/2 cup (st.) - 125 ml.
1/3 cup (st.) - 80 ml.
1/4 cup (st.) - 60 ml.
1 tablespoon (tbsp) - 15 ml.
1 teaspoon (tsp) - 5 ml.
1/5 teaspoon (tsp) - 1 ml.

Recipes with similar ingredients

cream cheese, cranberry, vegetable relish, lime zest, celery

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Preparation:

Step 1
• Cranberry relish:
  
  Puree the jalapeños in a food processor until finely chopped. Add the cranberries; process until finely chopped (but not ground). Transfer to a bowl and add the sugar, green onions, orange zest, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
Step 2
• In a large bowl, using a wooden spoon or spatula, combine the cream cheese, grated cheese, lime zest, and 1/4 teaspoon salt until smooth. Stir in the cilantro. Transfer the mixture to a large piece of plastic wrap and form into a smooth log about 2.5 cm in diameter. Refrigerate for 2 hours or overnight.
Step 3
• Just before serving, unwrap the cheese log and transfer it to a serving platter. Drain the cranberry relish thoroughly, then carefully spoon it in a thick layer onto the cheese log, pressing firmly to coat. Wipe off any spills from the serving platter and serve immediately with crackers or toast.

Votes: 1

Author of the recipe - Valerie Bertinelli is an American actress.