CHEF JEFF — ONE BYTE AT A TIME: 5-Minute Cheese Roll

This type of appetizer is always popular at holiday get-togethers.

5-Minute Cheese Roll

1 8-ounce package cream cheese

1 8-ounce package shredded sharp Cheddar cheese

½ cup dried cherries, chopped

¼ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

½ cup finely chopped pecans, toasted

Crackers

Pulse the cheeses in food processor or blender until creamy. Stir in cherries and spice. Shape into log, wrap in plastic wrap. Place in freezer briefly to firm, then roll in nuts just before serving with crackers.

Yield: Serves 24 servings (2 tablespoons spread and 5 crackers each).

Approximate nutritional analysis per serving: 166 calories, 56 percent of calories from fat, 10.6 grams fat (4.4 grams saturated, 3.3 grams monounsaturated), 20.3 milligrams cholesterol, 4.5 grams protein, 14 grams carbohydrates, 1 gram fiber, 228 milligrams sodium.

Grab more food tidbits at the Chef Jeff blog at GrandForksHerald.com.

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