White Cheddar with Apples
Cheddar Cheese Recipe - Apple Recipe - Appetizer Recipe

I adapted this recipe from the California Milk Advisory Board. This would also make a great dessert course. This course features a lush combination of white cheddar cheese, sweet-tart apples, and spicy walnut conserve. While the recipe calls for slicing the cheese in a rectangle shape, this dish would also be lovely with other shapes of cheese slices. Keep the size of each slice about 1/2 ounce.

Check out Linda's Appetizer Recipes for more great appetizer ideas.

Don't forget to check out my Grilled Rack of Lamb with Pinot Noir Marinade Dinner Menu which includes this wonderful White Cheddar with Apples.

 

White Cheddar with Apples Recipe

Recipe Type: Appetizer, Apples, Cheddar Cheese
Yields: 6 servings
Prep time: 20 min

Ingredients:

Apple Conserve (see recipe below)
8 rectangular slices sharp white cheddar cheese, about 2-1/2 inch by 1-1/2 inch by 1/4 inch each (about 1/2 ounce per slice)
Walnut halves
 

To Plate:

Prepare Apple Conserve.

For each serving, place one slice of cheese on an individual serving plate.

Top with 1/4 of the cooled conserve mixture. Partially overlap with another slice of cheese. Garnish with walnuts.

Makes 6 servings.

Apple Conserve:
2/3 cup (about 1 medium apple), peeled and diced green apple
2/3 cup (about 1 medium apple), peeled and diced red apple
1/2 cup firmly-packed brown sugar
1/3 cup golden raisins
1/4 cup coarsely-chopped walnuts
2 tablespoons good-quality balsamic vinegar*

* The original recipe uses apple cider vinegar. I like the flavor or balsamic vinegar, but you can use either one. The better the quality of the balsamic vinegar, the richer the flavor.

In a small saucepan combine the diced apples, brown sugar, raisins, chopped walnuts, and balsamic vinegar. Cook over medium-low heat for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and let cool.

NOTE: The original recipe says it serves 4, but I served 6 people with this recipe and had plenty as you only use a small amount with the cheese.

Nutritional Information: Per serving: 330 calories, 9 g protein, 30 mg cholesterol, 190 mg sodium, 2 g fiber, 14 g fat (6 g saturated fat), 39% calories from fat, 46 g carbohydrates.