Adventures in Cooking: Marinated Cheese Log

Again, this is technically not cooking...but what do you call it when you make appetizers and such that aren't cooked or baked or anything, yet they are food that must be prepared?  Anyone?  Nevermind.

Marinated Cheese.  This is a great party food.  It tastes good.  It's different...not your same old cheese ball.  It's easy to make and can be made ahead of time.  BUT, it also looks fancy and usually impresses.  So, here it is.  By the way, thanks to my friend Ginnie for this recipe - I have no idea where it originated beyond her.

Marinated Cheese Log

1 8 oz. block of sharp Cheddar

1 8 oz. brick of cream cheese

1/2 cup olive oil

1/2 cup white vinegar

3 tbsp. chopped green onion

4 oz. chopped pimento, with juice

½ tsp. salt

¾ tsp. dried basil

3 cloves garlic, finely chopped

1 tsp. sugar

½ tsp. pepper

Slice cheddar cheese in approximately ¼” slices.  Lay one slice flat, and then lay a slice of cream cheese (1/4”) on top of that.  Continue alternating until you have a stack (log) of alternated cheese.  Lay this flat in a shallow serving dish (I sometimes do 2-3 shorter logs).



Mix all remaining ingredients, whisking together.  Spoon & pour over the cheese.  Cover tightly with plastic wrap and allow to marinate over night.  Serve with crackers, crusty bread, etc.