Description
The Christmas Nut & Fruit Cheese Log is a festive, colorful dish that combines creamy cheese with crunchy nuts and sweet dried fruits, perfect for holiday celebrations.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup chopped dried apricots
- 1/4 cup chopped pistachios
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1/4 cup chopped almonds
- 1 teaspoon orange zest
- Fresh rosemary sprigs (for garnish)
- Pomegranate arils (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Begin by mixing the base for your cheese log. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine room-temperature cream cheese, dried cranberries, chopped dried apricots, honey, and orange zest. Use a fork or spatula to blend the ingredients thoroughly until smooth and creamy.
- Next, take a large piece of plastic wrap and lay it out on a clean surface. Spoon the cheese mixture onto the wrap, spreading it into a rectangle shape, about 1/2 inch thick.
- In a separate bowl, combine the chopped pistachios, walnuts, and almonds. Gently sprinkle this nut mixture uniformly over the cheese rectangle. Press down lightly to ensure adherence.
- Lift the plastic wrap from one end and roll the cheese mixture tightly into a log shape, securing it tightly with the plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- After chilling, unwrap the log and transfer it onto a decorative platter. Garnish with fresh rosemary and optional pomegranate arils.
Notes
This cheese log can be prepared up to a day in advance. If too soft, chill before shaping. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
Nutrition
- Calories: 120 kcal
- Sodium: 100 mg
- Protein: 3 g