Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Marinated Cream Cheese

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Christmas is 10 days away.  10???  Yep, 10.  How this can be, I do not know.  Perhaps there's a time warp that occurs once the time changes?  All I do know is that I am feeling somewhat pressured to "get it all done" and I do not like it one bit.  Maybe I've planned better in years past?  There are still cookies to bake and decorations to complete; at least I've completed the menu for my husband's family party this weekend and the Christmas celebration with my family.  Saturday's party is an appetizer potluck at our house, and I'm making mini muffalettas, a layered dip, and a simple dessert.  For my family's Christmas celebration which is actually scheduled for the 28th, we're having bbq shrimp, lasagna, Italian sausage, stuffed artichokes, and for an appetizer, this quick, festive, and addictive marinated cheese.  Everytime I make this for a party, people go nuts, dipping slices of French bread into the marinade and spreading on cheese while shooting me appreciative glances and thumbs up with their free hand.  It's that good.  The marinade is awesome as a dressing for lettuce or pasta.  The colors are absolutely gorgeous and perfect for the season.  If you're still looking for a "wow" dish, give this a try.

Marinated Cream Cheese (Printable recipe)
3 8-oz blocks cream cheese
½ cup extra virgin olive oil
½ cup white wine or rice wine vinegar
¼ cup green onions, finely sliced
¼ cup parsley, finely minced
4 oz jar diced pimentos, drained
1 tablespoon garlic, grated or finely minced
3 teaspoons sugar
½ teaspoon dried basil
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper

Slice cream cheese into thirds, lengthwise.
Arrange in rimmed platter.
Combine all other ingredients, mix well and pour onto cream cheese.
Cover & refrigerate overnight.
Serve with sliced French bread or crackers.

Linked to Merry, Merry Munchies, Wandering Wednesday, What's Cooking Wednesday, Holly Bloggy Christmas Recipe Party, Thursday Friends Cafe Blog Hop, Thirsty Thursday, Thrilling Thursday , Beckham & Bloom, Follow Friday 40 & Over, Feature Yourself Friday, Grocery Cart Challenge Recipe Swap, Family Friendly Fridays, Friday Potluck, Show & Tell Fridays, Saturday Swap, Recipe of the Week: Appetizers

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20 comments:

  1. I'm looking for something different and fun to take to my family's Christmas Eve party...NEXT week. Gah! I feel the crunch too...seems like it was JUST Halloween! Saving this one...I imagine it's good for football-watching parties too!

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  2. I've already printed that Louanne. It looks like a great appetizer, no wonder why everyone who tries it gives it a big 10. Thanks for the e-mail, because I was beginning to seriously worry about the fate of these books. I hope you will both enjoy them. Lots of love from Athens.

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  3. I'm in love with it already! I love marinated cheeses but I never thought about marinating cream cheese before, great idea! Miriam@Meatless Meals For Meat Eaters

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  4. What a wonderful appetizer! It sure is beautiful and impressive...I think I'm going to do a little rearranging of our Christmas Eve menu to include it! :)

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  5. Oh wow! This looks so good and your pictures make me want to grab some right out of the screen! YUM!

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  6. MMMMM! Num, num, num! I'm totally thinking I'm just doing dipping and spreading things this year for holiday food...this one being top on the list. I'm drooling ;)

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  7. Happy holidays! Following you now from Thirsty Thursday blog hop. Have a nice day, and please return the favor!

    http://inspiredbyron.blogspot.com/

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  8. Great tip for an appetizer!!!
    yuuuuummmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

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  9. New Follower from the hop! Looks Delish!
    We’d love to have you on Mondays for the mixed bag BH @ http://www.beckhamandbloom.com and our sister blog @
    http://www.planmydinner.net
    Have a great day!

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  10. YUM!!

    When you have a chance, Louanne, I've a little something for you at my place!

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  11. I am so making this! Looks delicious!
    mickey

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  12. This looks amazing! I so am saving this! Thanks!

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  13. I wish I could have some RIGHT NOW! It looks amazing!!! Thanks for linking up to Thrilling Thursday @ Paisley Passions. Hope you stop by again soon :)

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  14. Your family's Christmas celebration sounds AMAZING... I think we'd all like to join in at that table. Thanks for sharing this appetizer recipe... I feel like I'm always on the lookout for a great appetizer recipe and this sounds fabulous. Thanks so much for linking to Saturday Swap! Have a super start to your week!!

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  15. Following you via Wandering Wednesday. Hope you will follow me too @ http://masalabowl.blogspot.com/

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  16. I found you via the link up at Family Fresh Meals and LOVE this festive looking appetizer! I am going to "pin it" for future use! 

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  17. I am totally making this one for a holiday gather I have later this week. I love how festive it looks! This is going to taste amazing with some crusty bread! YUM!

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  18. Hi Ashley - hope you enjoy it!  It's a great and quick appetizer! Best,
    Louanne




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