Recipe: Cheddar and Ale Spread

Cheddar and Ale Spread

6 cups shredded Cheddar cheese (about 1 1/2 lb.)
1 package cream cheese (3 ounce)
1/4 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup ale or beer
1 tsp. dry mustard
1/4 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 cup finely chopped pistachio nuts
1/2 cup chopped parsley

1)Beat Cheddar, cream cheese and butter in a large bowl with electric mixer until smooth. Gradually beat in ale, mustard and red pepper flakes. Refrigerate mixture until it is stiff enough to hold its shape, about 2 hrs.

2) Line two small bowls (about 3 cups each) with plastic wrap. Divide mixture equally between bowls, smoothing tops, Cover; refrigerate 4 hours or overnight.

3)Combine pistachios and parsley on wax paper,. Unmold cheese from bowls; peel off plastic wrap. Press pistachio-parsley mixture over balls to cover.