Fruited Holiday Cheese Logs Recipes

CREAM CHEESE LOG WITH SWEET-AND-SPICY CRANBERRY RELISH

Steps:

• For the cranberry relish: Pulse the jalapeno in a food processor until finely chopped. Add the cranberries; pulse until finely chopped (but not ground). Transfer to a bowl and stir in the sugar, scallions, orange zest and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
• For the cream cheese log: In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, shredded cheese, lime zest and 1/4 teaspoon salt with a wooden spoon or spatula until well blended. Mix in the cilantro. Spoon onto a large piece of plastic wrap and form into an even 1-inch-diameter log. Refrigerate until firm, at least 2 hours or overnight.
• Right before serving, unwrap the log and transfer it to a serving plate. Drain the cranberry mixture well, then carefully spoon a thick layer of it onto the cheese log, pressing all over to cover. Clean any spills from the serving plate and serve immediately with crackers or toasted bread.

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.

PISTACHIO AND POMEGRANATE CHEESE LOG

Steps:

• In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, shredded cheese, chives, lemon zest and salt with a wooden spoon or spatula until well blended. Spoon onto a large piece of plastic wrap and form into an even 1-inch-diameter log. Refrigerate until firm, at least 2 hours or up to overnight.
• In a small pot, combine the pomegranate juice, hot honey, sugar and cardamom. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then let the sauce cook and reduce until thickened, about 20 minutes. (It should coat the back of a spoon and have a glazelike consistency.) Keep warm or serve at room temp.
• Unwrap the cheese log and place on a platter. Garnish the log with the pistachios, pomegranate seeds and a generous drizzle of the pomegranate syrup. Serve with your favorite crackers.

THREE-CHEESE LOGS

Steps:

• In large bowl, stir cream cheese, Worcestershire sauce and mustard until blended. Stir in Cheddar and Stilton cheeses, bell peppers and chives.
• Divide cheese mixture in half. Shape each half into a log. Roll logs in walnuts. Wrap each log separately in plastic wrap or waxed paper. Refrigerate about 2 hours or until firm.
• Place cheese logs on serving platter. Serve with apple slices and 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.

HOLIDAY GOAT CHEESE LOG

Steps:

• Pulse almonds in the bowl of a food processor until chopped. Add parsley and chives; continue to pulse until incorporated. Add cherries and process until everything is finely chopped and you have a nice mixture of red and green.
• Pour nut mixture onto a flat work surface and spread into a thin layer.
• Roll goat cheese log in the nut mixture until fully covered. Carefully pick it up and tap the ends of the log into the nut mixture to cover. Place on a serving dish.

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.