Marinated Cheese

Pretty for the holidays

Ingredients

  • 1/2 c. olive oil
  • 3/4 t. dried basil
  • 1/2 c. white wine vinegar
  • 1/2 t. salt & 1/2 t. pepper
  • 2 oz. jar diced pimiento, drained
  • 3 Tbls. minced green onions
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 t. sugar
  • 3 Tbls. fresh parsley, chopped
  • 8 oz. block sharp cheddar cheese, chilled (5-1/2 x 2 x 1-inch)
  • 8 oz. pkg. cream cheese, chilled (not low-fat)
  • fresh parsley sprigs
  • assorted crackers

Instructions

Combine oil, vinegar, pimiento, parsley, green onions, garlic, sugar, basil salt and pepper in a covered container. Shake vigorously. Set aside.

Cut block of cheese lengthwise. Then cut crosswise into 1/8th-inch thick slices; set aside. Repeat procedure with cream cheese.

Arrange cheese slices alternately in a shallow baking dish (sharp cheddar, cream cheese and repeat). Pour marinade over cheese slices. Cover and refrigerate for at least 8 hours.

Transfer cheese slices to a serving platter in the same alternating fashion, reserving marinade. Spoon marinade over cheese slices. Garnish with fresh parsley sprigs, if desired.
Serve with assorted crackers.