Cranberry- Caramelized Onion Cheese Spread

This recipe has been featured in a post on The Recipe Girl blog: Between Seasons Happy Hour.

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Cranberry- Caramelized Onion Cheese Spread

Servings: 24 Prep Time: 1 hour, 30 minutes

This recipe has a layer of blended cream cheese, cheddar and blue cheeses- topped with caramelized onions, cranberries and a touch of balsamic. Great fall flavors all around.

Ingredients:

1 (8 ounce) package light cream cheese, softened
1 (4 ounce) package crumbled blue cheese, at room temperature
1 cup (4 ounces) finely shredded Cheddar, at room temperature
2 teaspoons vegetable oil
1 medium sweet onion, sliced and quartered
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup water
1 Tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup coarsely chopped walnuts

Directions:

1. In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese and blue cheese with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy. Add cheddar cheese; beat until well-blended. Spread in shallow serving bowl or plate. Cover; refrigerate at least 1 hour to blend flavors.

2. Meanwhile, caramelize the onions: Heat oil in a large, nonstick skillet over medium-heat. Add onion; cook and stir 2 to 4 minutes or until tender. Reduce heat to medium-low; stir in 1 tsp. sugar. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes or until onion is soft and golden, stirring occasionally. Remove onion from skillet; set aside.

3. In same skillet, combine cranberries, remaining sugar and water. Cook over medium heat about 5 minutes or until cranberries begin to pop and mixture thickens, stirring occasionally. Stir in vinegar and onions. Cool slightly.

4. To serve: Bring cheese spread to room temperature. Spoon cranberry mixture over cheese spread and sprinkle with walnuts. Serve with assorted crackers.

Recipe Source: Adapted from Ocean Spray