~ Crunchy 'n Tangy Gorgonzola and Walnut Spread ~
Cheese spread. Everyone who entertains has one, two or a few recipes in their repertoire. The base line for a basic one is: a simple and balanced, smooth, creamy, spreadable blend of tangy, savory cheese plus a fresh or dried herb and a spice or two. For added flavor and texture, a few fresh, dried or roasted chopped fruits, nuts and/or vegetables can be stirred into the mixture, and so can cooked, cured or smoked meats, poultry or fish/seafood. For as easy and straightforward as cheese spreads are to make, they deliver big, bold complex flavor to the cocktail or snack table. Whether the get-together is casual or upscale, a well-made cheese spread sets the tone for the entire get-together. When you hear your guests say to each other, "you've got to try that cheese spread", you know you're on your way to a successful evening!
A well-made cheese spread, when paired with the proper snack cracker is a party starter.
A well-made cheese spread when paired carefully with a homemade cracker brings life to the party. Make that a homemade cheese cracker and it is the life of the party!
While most homemade cheese "snacks" (cookies, crackers, sticks and wafers) need nothing more than a favorite cocktail or a fine wine to enjoy them, every once in a while one comes along that deserves a great cheese spread. My ~ Crunchy 'n Tangy Gorgonzola Wafers~ is one. You can get the recipe by clicking on the Related Article link below!
Gorgonzola & Walnut Wafers + Gorgonzola & Walnut Spread =
My Favorite Blue Cheese Heaven!
4 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
1/8 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly- & coarsely-ground peppercorn blend
1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
4 ounces, crumbled Gorgonzola cheese, chilled
My ~ Crunchy 'n Tangy Gorgonzola & Walnut Wafers ~, or your favorite crackers or crostini
~ Step 1. Bring the cream cheese to room temperature, about 1 hour.
Chop the walnuts.
Crumble the Gorgonzola (or your favorite blue cheese) and return it to the refrigerator to chill (and keep it chilled until the last minute).
~ Step 2. Place the cream cheese in a bowl and add the peppercorn blend and sea salt. In my pepper mill, 1/2 teaspoon of peppercorn blend = 30 grinds. I measure pepper this way often!
~Step 3. Using a large spoon, vigorously stir the cream cheese until it is soft and creamy. Stir in the walnuts. Remove the Gorgonzola crumbles from the refrigerator and gently fold them in, doing your best not to squish, mash, mush, or crush the delicate crumbles!
Technically, the Gorgonzola and Walnut Spread is ready to serve, BUT:
Like many things, a bit of "giving the flavors time to marry" goes a long way. I transfer mine to a pretty serving bowl (or 2-cup food storage container w/lid for 2-3-4 day in advance storage), cover it with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for one to several hours or overnight. I remove it from the refrigerator about 1 hour prior to serving it as close to room temperature as possible:
This cheese-spread cheese-cracker combo is THE party starter:
Crunchy 'n Tangy Gorgonzola and Walnut Spread: Recipe yields 2 cups of cheese spread.
Special Equipment List: cutting board; chefs knife; large spoon; 2-cup storage container w/lid
Cook's Note: For another decadent homemade cheese snack, you can find my ~ Savory & Peppery Triple-Creme Brie Shortbread ~ recipe in Categories 1, 2, 20 & 21. They too are simply elegant, extraordinary and exquisite!
"We are all in this food world together." ~ Melanie Preschutti
(Recipe, Commentary and Photos courtesy of Melanie's Kitchen/Copyright 2014)
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