Favorite Holiday Recipe - Marinated Cheese

This has quickly become a favorite holiday appetizer. I first tried it because it looked interesting, but loved the presentation and how it tasted. I love how festive it looks. This is not an original recipe. I would love to give credit to it's creator. I found it somewhere, I just have no idea where that was.

Marinated Cheese

1/2 c. olive oil

1/2 c. white wine vinegar

2 oz. drained and chopped sun-dried tomatoes (the kind in oil)

2 T. chopped fresh parsley

3 T. minced green onions

3 cloves garlic minced

1 t. sugar

3/4 t. dried basil

1/2 t. salt

1/2 t. ground black pepper

1 (8 oz.) block cheddar cheese*

1 (8oz.) package cream cheese,cold**

Combine all, except cheese. Mix vigorously to blend. Set aside.

Cut each of the cheeses in half lengthwise. Cut crosswise into 1/4 inch slices to form squares. Arrange cheddar and cream cheese squares alternately in a shallow baking dish or pie plate with slices standing on end.

Pour marinade over the cheese slices, cover and refrigerate for at least 6 ours or overnight.

To serve, remove slices (carefully) to a serving platter so the still are arranged in an alternating patter. Spoon some of the extra marinade over the top.

Serve with crackers.

*Works the best if you can find a cheddar that is close in size and shape to cream cheese.

**Don’t use lo-fat cream cheese – way too soft.

ENJOY!