We wanted to pass on a few of our most favorite cheese dips and spreads that are perfect for entertaining during the upcoming holiday season. Enjoy!

RASPBERRY CHEDDAR SPREAD

makes 12 servings

• 16 oz Red Barn Heritage Weis Cheddar, shredded
• 1 small onion, minced, excess moisture pressed out.
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 1 cup mayo
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1/8 tsp mustard seed (optional)
• 1 small jar Wienke’s Market seedless raspberry jam
• snack crackers such as “Waterwheel Sesame or Original”
• fresh raspberries

Combine first 6 ingredients in a small mixing bowl and blend well. Spoon mixture into a 9″ pie plate lined with plastic wrap and refrigerate 2 hours until chilled. Unmold and top with jam and fresh raspberries if desired. Serve with crackers.

HOMEMADE PIMIENTO CHEESE

makes about 3 cups

• 8 oz Widmer’s Sharp or Extra Sharp Cheddar, shredded
• 8 oz Level Valley Cream Cheese, softened
• 1/4 to 1/2 cup mayo (depending on consistency desired)
• Dash of garlic powder
• 1 4 oz jar diced pimiento, drained

Combine cheeses and beat with electric mixer until smooth, light and fluffy. Add mayo and garlic powder and thoroughly mix. Gently stir in drained pimiento. Chill. Serve with “Pinah’s Rye Crackers” or carrot and celery sticks.

CREAMY ARTICHOKE PARMESAN DIP

Mix together the following ingredients and chill.

• 1 cup mayo
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 1 14 oz can quartered artichoke hearts
• 1 cup Sartori Parmesan, grated
• 1 Tbsp white pepper
• 1 Tbsp onion powder
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh garlic

Serve with “Chicago Flats Sundried Tomato and Basil” crackers.

SPINACH DIP IN A BREAD BOWL

• 1 cup salad dressing
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 pkg (1.1 oz) Ranch salad dressing mix
• 1 pkg (10 oz) frozen chopped spinach. thawed and well drained
• 1 can (8 oz) water chestnuts, chopped
• 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
• 1 small round sourdough bread

Mix first 3 ingredients until well blended. Stir in spinach, water chestnuts and red pepper. Mix and refrigerate. Remove top crust of bread and hollow out. Add dip just before serving. Serve with “Breton Original, Whole Wheat or Sesame” crackers.