Ingredients with Measurements:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon caraway seeds
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Special equipment needed:
- Electric mixer or food processor
- Mixing bowl
- Spatula
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, caraway seeds, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
2. Using an electric mixer or food processor, blend the ingredients until smooth and well combined.
3. Add the chopped fresh parsley to the cheese mixture and stir until evenly distributed.
4. Transfer the cheese spread to a serving bowl and cover with plastic wrap.
5. Refrigerate the cheese spread for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Chilling time: 1 hour
Temperature:
Refrigerate at 40°F or below.
Serving size:
Makes about 1 1/2 cups of cheese spread. Serves 8-10 people.
Nutritional information:
Calories: 130
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 40mg
Sodium: 240mg
Carbohydrates: 2g
Protein: 4g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Cream cheese: You can use neufchâtel cheese or Greek yogurt as a lower-fat alternative.
- Cheddar cheese: You can use any type of shredded cheese, such as Monterey Jack, Colby, or Swiss.
- Caraway seeds: You can substitute with fennel seeds, dill seeds, or celery seeds.
- Worcestershire sauce: You can use soy sauce or balsamic vinegar as a substitute.
- Garlic powder: You can use fresh minced garlic as a substitute.
Variations:
- Add chopped green onions or chives for extra flavor.
- Substitute the caraway seeds with poppy seeds or sesame seeds for a different twist.
- Add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
- Mix in some chopped sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers for a Mediterranean twist.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature before mixing to ensure a smooth texture.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for the best flavor and texture.
- If the cheese spread is too thick, you can add a tablespoon of milk or cream to thin it out.
- Serve with crackers, sliced baguette, or vegetables for dipping.
Storage instructions:
Store the cheese spread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Reheating instructions:
There is no need to reheat the cheese spread. Serve it chilled.
Presentation ideas:
Transfer the cheese spread to a decorative serving bowl and garnish with additional chopped parsley or caraway seeds.
Garnishes:
Chopped fresh herbs, sliced olives, or chopped nuts.
Pairings:
Serve with crackers, sliced baguette, or vegetables for dipping. Pair with a crisp white wine or a light beer.
Suggested side dishes:
Serve with a side of fresh fruit or a green salad.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the cheese spread is too thick, you can add a tablespoon of milk or cream to thin it out.
- If the cheese spread is too thin, you can add more shredded cheese to thicken it up.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to refrigerate the cheese spread at 40°F or below.
- Discard any leftover cheese spread that has been left at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Food history:
Caraway seeds have been used in cooking for centuries and are commonly found in traditional European dishes, such as sauerkraut and rye bread.
Flavor profiles:
The caraway seeds add a slightly nutty and earthy flavor to the cheese spread, while the Worcestershire sauce and garlic powder add a savory and umami taste.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the cheese spread as an appetizer at a party or as a snack for a casual gathering.
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