Apricot-Chipotle-Cream Cheese Star

 

12

oz cream cheese (from two 8-oz packages), softened

1

cup shredded sharp white Cheddar cheese (4 oz)

1/2

teaspoon onion powder

1/2

teaspoon ground mustard

1/2

cup chopped pecans

1/2

cup apricot preserves

2

teaspoons finely chopped gingerroot

2

teaspoons chopped chipotle chiles in adobo sauce (from 7-oz can)

48

crackers

• 1 In food processor, place cream cheese, Cheddar cheese, onion powder and mustard. Cover; process, scraping side of bowl if necessary, until well mixed. Add pecans. Cover; process with on-and-off pulses 2 or 3 times until mixed.
• 2 Using parchment paper, cut out a star shape 7 inches in diameter. Spoon the cheese spread evenly onto the shape, using a table knife to shape the star. Turn onto a serving plate; remove the parchment paper.
• 3 In small bowl, mix preserves, gingerroot and chiles. Spoon over cheese star. Serve with crackers.