Cheese Ring with Rosemary-Pear Preserves

Ingredients

• 1 cup finely chopped pecans
• 3/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 2 (8-oz.) blocks sharp Cheddar cheese, finely grated*
• 1/2 cup pear preserves
• 1/2 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary
• Assorted crackers
• Garnishes: chopped toasted pecans, fresh strawberries, strawberry flowers

Preparation

1. 1. Preheat oven to 350°. Bake pecans in a single layer in a shallow pan 8 to 10 minutes or until toasted and fragrant, stirring halfway through. Cool 15 minutes.
2. 2. Stir together mayonnaise and next 2 ingredients. Stir in pecans and cheese.
3. 3. Spoon mixture into a plastic wrap-lined 4-cup ring mold with a 2 1/2-inch center. Cover and chill 2 hours.
4. 4. Unmold cheese ring onto a serving platter. Discard plastic wrap. Stir together pear preserves and rosemary. Fill center of ring with pear preserves mixture. Serve with crackers. Garnish, if desired.
5. *Sharp white Cheddar cheese may be substituted.