Lemon Dill Smoked Salmon Spread

Lemon Dill Smoked Salmon Spread Recipe

Entertain in style at your next cocktail party, brunch, or game day gathering with this easy to make, festive, homemade smoked salmon dip/spread. This “fancy pants” crowd-pleaser recipe can be served as an appetizer with crackers and cocktails, or it is versatile enough to be set out on a brunch buffet with bagels and all the fixings.

The cream cheese makes this more of a spread than a dip because it is thicker, but adding a little sour cream to your desired consistency, will do the trick if you want to thin it out.

Aside from the smoked salmon being the star of this dish, the freshness of the lemon and Cherchies® Lem’n Dill Seasoning puts this delicate hors d’oeuvre recipe over the top for your fish-loving friends. I would recommend making this dip a day ahead to allow the flavors to intensify and marry together.

So if you are looking for an easy and elegant appetizer, brunch spread for the holidays, or game day party dip, look no further. You have got to try this fabulous dip/spread. Your crowd will go wild over this Lem’n Dill Smoked Salmon Recipe, but make sure you grab some for yourself because it will disappear before your eyes.

Thanks for stopping by:) Comment below if you have made this delicious recipe. Come back again for more family-tested recipes, entertaining ideas, and cooking tips using all our favorite Cherchies® gourmet products.

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Ingredients

• 8 oz. cream cheese, softened

• 1/4 cup sour cream

• 4 to 6 oz. of smoked salmon, setting aside a couple of strips for garnishing

• 2 Tablespoons (Tbsp.) Cherchies® Lem'n Dill Seasoning

• Juice of 1 lemon

• Dash of hot pepper sauce (We used Sriracha)

• Dash of Worcestershire sauce

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 2 Tablespoons (Tbsp.) chopped scallions (reserve 1 teaspoon (tsp.) for garnish

Preparation
Add cream cheese, sour cream, salmon, lemon juice, sauces, and seasonings to a food processor or stand mixer.

If using a food processor, pulse the ingredients (depending on desired consistency) to combine. * If you prefer larger chunks of smoked salmon, only pulse until combined. If using a stand mixer, add ingredients to the mixing bowl, and using the paddle attachment, mix until desired consistency.

Transfer the cheese mixture to a bowl, and stir in chopped scallions. Cover and refrigerate. We have found that the flavors intensify if made the day before your gathering. Serve with your favorite crackers, vegetables, or bread, or a combination of both. Garnish with reserved smoked salmon and a few green onions for an easy and tasty appetizer, and the perfect fancy treat for a crowd.

Enjoy!

The Best Homemade Pimento Cheese Recipe

The Best Pimento Cheese Recipe

If you ask anyone from the Southern part of the United States what their favorite appetizer is, undoubtedly, they will answer pimento cheese. A staple in most Southern households, pimento cheese is a tasty savory spread made mainly of different cheeses, mayonnaise, pimentos, etc. It is a fantastic dip with crackers and vegetables, but it is versatile enough to be used in countless culinary dishes—more on that in a bit.

This easy recipe comes from our friend Sandra from Lexington, South Carolina. Her recipe uses Cherchies® Pretty Peppers and Cherchies® Garlic Seasoning, and she insists on only using Duke’s* mayonnaise (a preferred Southern mayonnaise- much harder to find here in Pennsylvania). Her family and friends rave about this recipe; we think you will too. Make this tasty dip for your next gathering, and watch it disappear right before your eyes. It is easy, addicting, and is sure to become one of your favorite recipes.

Not only is pimento cheese the perfect complement to crackers and vegetables, but did you know you can cook with it? Here are a few ideas to get your creative culinary juices flowing:

• As a sandwich between two slices of bread

• In grilled cheese sandwiches

• In Macaroni and cheese

• Served on top of burgers

• Heated to serve as a fondue with bread chunks

• Folded into grits

• Dolloped over fries to create incredible cheese fries.

• On top of baked potatoes

• Folded in deviled eggs

• So much more!

What is your favorite way to use pimento cheese?

Thanks for stopping by:) Comment below if you have made this delicious recipe featuring Cherchies® Pretty Peppers and Cherchies® Garlic Seasoning Blend. Come back again for more family-tested recipes, entertaining ideas, and cooking tips using all our favorite Cherchies® gourmet products.

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Enjoy!

*Note- We have also tested this recipe with Helman’s for the same great results.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup grated extra-sharp cheddar cheese (we prefer to use freshly grated cheese, rather than bagged shredded cheese).

• 1/2 cup grated pepper jack cheese (we prefer to use freshly grated cheese, rather than bagged shredded cheese).

• 1/2 cup grated Monterrey Jack Cheese (we prefer to use freshly grated cheese, rather than bagged shredded cheese).

• 8 oz. cream cheese, room temperature.

• 1/2 cup *Duke’s Mayonnaise (or more for desired consistency)

• 1/2 jar Cherchies® Pretty Peppers, drained

• 1/2 teaspoon (tsp) Cherchies® Garlic Seasoning (more to taste)

• Ground pepper to taste

Preparation

Drain the Pretty Peppers in a colander and set them aside. Add softened cream cheese to a medium bowl. Grate the cheddar, Monterrey Jack, and pepper jack cheeses and add them to the bowl. Add the mayonnaise, Cherchies® Garlic Seasoning, pepper, and mix with a hand mixer.

Once combined, gently add in the Pretty Peppers and stir with a spoon or spatula until thoroughly combined.

Refrigerate for at least two hours. The flavors only intensify, so making this ahead of a gathering is perfectly acceptable. Add crackers and vegetables for a delicious dip when ready to serve, the perfect addition to charcuterie platters. Or, add the pimento cheese to your favorite dish (see above).

Enjoy!

The Best Cowboy Caviar Recipe

The Best Cowboy Caviar Dip Recipe

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Serves a crowd

Difficulty: Easy

Hello friends!

I’ve been wanting to share this delicious Cowboy Caviar recipe because it’s one of those easy, colorful dishes that works for just about any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a summer get-together, heading to a cookout, planning game day snacks, or just looking for a fresh make-ahead dip, this recipe is always a good idea.

This tasty dip, featuring Cherchies® Chardonnay Lime & Cilantro Seasoning, is quick to make and full of bright, bold flavor. It’s perfect served with tortilla chips, but it’s also delicious spooned over tacos, grilled fish, or chicken for an extra pop of freshness.

One of the best things about Cowboy Caviar is how simple it is to pull together. It uses frozen corn, so by the time you’re ready to serve, the dip is chilled and ready to go. Cherchies® Chardonnay Lime & Cilantro Seasoning takes the flavors over the top.

This recipe feeds a crowd, so depending on the size of your gathering, you can easily add more beans, tomatoes, and corn. Just adjust the vinegar and oil to taste.

The next time you need an easy, flavorful dip recipe for entertaining or everyday snacking, give this black bean and corn dip a try. It may just become your new go-to.

Thanks for stopping by:) Comment below if you have tried this tasty recipe. Come back again for more family-tested recipes, entertaining ideas, and cooking tips using all our favorite Cherchies® gourmet products.

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Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups frozen corn

• 1 15 oz. can black beans, rinsed

• 1 15 oz. can petite diced tomatoes, drained and rinsed (can substitute fresh chopped tomatoes)

• 1 small red onion, finely diced (can substitute diced green onions (white and green part)

• 1/2 cup olive oil

• 1/2 cup white vinegar (or a combination of white and red vinegar)

• 2 Tablespoons (Tbsp.) Cherchies® Chardonnay Lime & Cilantro Seasoning (more to taste)

• 1/2 teaspoon (tsp.) ground black pepper

• 2 Tablespoons (Tbsp.) fresh cilantro, coarsely chopped

Preparation

Combine all ingredients in a medium-sized bowl. Can be made a day ahead and chilled in the refrigerator. (*This recipe is better if made the day before, as it allows the flavors to marry and intensify). If need in a hurry, leave on the counter an hour before guests arrive to defrost the corn).

Serve with your favorite tortilla chips and enjoy!

Mini Herbed Cheese Ball Recipe

Mini Herbed Cheese Ball Recipe

Don't let the ball drop this New Year's without trying these classic mini herbed cheese balls with pretzel sticks. Individually portioned and perfect for social distancing, these tasty, colorful morsels are easy to make and pop in your mouth as you pop open the bubbly. These festive cheese balls, featuring Cherchies® Seasoning blends can be made ahead, allowing you more time to ring in the New Year with those you hold dear.

Did you know?  Research shows that serving round foods (which resemble coins, meaning wealth) on New Years' is supposed to bring good luck. After an unprecedented year like 2020, good luck sounds dreamy right now.

Even though your New Year's Eve plans may look different this year, you can still make it a night to remember with these mini savory cheeseballs. They are easy to make, they can be made ahead, and they are an absolute must-have recipe for your New Year's arsenal. 

Have a safe and Happy New Year, friends! Thank you for visiting, and please come back again!

Enjoy!

Ingredients:

• 4 oz. cream cheese, room temperature

• 4 oz. bleu cheese, room temperature

• 4 oz. shredded cheddar cheese

• 1 small onion, grated or finely minced

• 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce

• Cherchies® Lem’n Dill Seasoning, Cherchies Pepper Pizzazz, and Cherchies® Select Grilling Rub & Seasoning Blend (We tested this recipe with these seasoning blends, but feel free to experiment with your favorite and report back to us!)
  
  Preparation

  Allow the cream cheese to rest on the counter in the package for about 30 minutes, or until softened to room temperature. (If you are in a rush, try this trick. Place sealed package of cream cheese, sans the box, in a small bowl with warm water. This will allow the cream cheese to soften quicker).

  In a medium bowl, mix together the cream cheese, bleu cheese, cheddar cheese, minced onions, and Worcestershire sauce. Refrigerate for 30 minutes (can also be made ahead to chill in refrigerator over night).

When close to serving, evenly distribute the Cherchies® Seasoning Blends on three plates. (This will be used to roll up the mini cheese balls.) With a melon ball scooper, scoop out individual portions of the cheese mixture and roll in the various seasoning blends.

When ready to serve, add a pretzel stick for individual tasty portions. Enjoy!