Appetizer Favorites

These easy, delicious morsels are winners.

Tempt your friends with some of the best-loved party starters we've featured in our pages. These are favorites of former Executive Foods Editor Susan Dosier. They're easy to make ahead, are tasty, and look terrific. - CHARLA DRAPER

Marinated Cheese

MAKES 25 APPETIZER SERVINGS

PREP: 10 MIN., CHILL: 8 HRS.

"I use it a lot because it is so easy to put together," says Susan. When assembling this recipe, make sure the cream cheese is thoroughly chilled for easier slicing.

1 (0.7-oz.) envelope Italian dressing mix

½ cup vegetable oil

¼ cup white vinegar

2 Tbsp. minced green onion

2 Tbsp. water

1 ½ tsp. sugar

1 (8-oz.) block Monterey Jack cheese, chilled

1 (8-oz.) block Cheddar cheese, chilled

1 (8-oz.) package cream cheese, chilled

1 (4-oz.) jar chopped pimiento, drained

Assorted crackers

1. Whisk together first 6 ingredients. Set aside.

2. Cut Monterey Jack cheese in half lengthwise. Cut each half crosswise into ¼-inch-thick slices. Repeat with Cheddar cheese and cream cheese.

3. Arrange cheese in 4 rows in a shallow 2-qt. baking dish, alternating Monterey Jack cheese, Cheddar cheese, and cream cheese. Pour marinade over cheese. Cover and chill at least 8 hours.

4. Drain marinade; arrange cheese on a platter in rows. Top with pimiento, and serve with assorted crackers.

For More Info

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Copyright Southern Progress Corporation Oct 2006
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