Thursday, March 24, 2011

Cranberry, Carmelized Onion, and Goat Cheese Dip


Ok, once again I know that I'm very behind on my blogging because I made this as an appetizer months ago for Thanksgiving. It was really yummy and kind of Thanksgiving-y due to the cranberry factor, but since you can use fresh or frozen cranberries this can easily be made any time of year.......like, say, March!

8 oz. package cream cheese, softened
4 oz. package goat cheese, room temperature
1 cup finely shredded cheddar cheese, room temperature
2 teaspoons vegetable oil
1 medium sweet onion, diced
1 teaspoon sugar
1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup water
1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
1/4 cup coarsely chopped pecans

In a mixer, combine the cream cheese and goat cheese. Beat until smooth. Add the cheddar cheese and mix until well incorporated. Spread into the bottom of a baking dish. Cover and chill for at least 1 hour. Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onions and saute until softened. Add sugar and mix well. Continue cooking to carmelize the onions. Lower the heat slightly and stir every few minutes. This should take about 10 minutes. Once the onions are carmelized, remove them from the skillet and set aside. Add the cranberries, water and sugar into the same skillet. Stir to dissolve sugar. Turn the heat up to medium and cook until cranberries pop open and are softened, about 5 minutes. Once mixture thickens, add the balsamic vinegar and return the onions to the skillet. Stir well, add the pecans, and then let cool. Just prior to serving the dip, spoon the cranberry mixture on top of the cheese mixture. Serve with crackers for dipping.

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