Monday, November 1, 2010

Apple-Pecan Log


There are just some recipes that draw my attention over and over again. I may not stop what I'm doing to rush to the kitchen, but I will pause, thoughtfully stroke my chin, and think, "Hmmm...very interesting." I can't tell you the number of times I've been drawn to this recipe from Gooseberry Patch's Autumn with Family and Friends, copyright 2009. Of course, there's the obvious reason - apples and cinnamon - but, there's also the "log" factor. I usually make cheese balls, so a cheese log is a foreign land to me. So, come with me while I explore this new territory.

Apple-Pecan Log

8-oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened
1/2 c. tart apple, cored, peeled and finely chopped
3/4 c. chopped pecans, toasted and divided
1/4 tsp. cinnamon
Tortilla chips, snack crackers, butter cookies, apple slices, pretzels

Combine cream cheese, apple, 1/4 cup pecans and cinnamon; form into a log. Roll log in remaining pecans; cover with plastic wrap and chill for 3 to 5 hours, or overnight. Let stand at room temperature for 20 minutes before serving. Serve with a variety of dippers. Makes 6 to 8 servings. 

Here's the cream cheese and cinnamon. Do not be alarmed! You are seeing a teaspoon of brown sugar. I took the liberty to add it. I hope you don't mind.


Here's my half cup of Granny Smith apples. Well, maybe a little more than half a cup.


After stirring all of the ingredients together, I put the mixture into the fridge to firm up so that I could form it into a log.


I layed a few of the chopped pecans on a piece of wax paper, formed the mixture into a log, and placed it on top of the nuts.


Then, I pressed the remaining nuts around the mixture.


I wrapped the log up tightly in wax paper and refrigerated until firm.


This turned out to be a gorgeous appetizer. I served it with vanilla wafers. The log was tangy from the apples and cream cheese. The nuts, cinnamon, and vanilla wafers provided a sweet and crunchy contrast. And, I must confess that I ate more than my share of it. Yes, a new land known as apple-pecan log has opened itself up to me and I plan to revisit it often. Enjoy!

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4 comments:

  1. For some reason, I want to add a few toffee chips. I will definitely try this one.

    Julia

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  2. This recipe is very different from my toffee apple dip. The Granny Smith apples and cream cheese are a little tangy - a much different experience. But, the vanilla wafers were excellent, so sweet and crunchy. You should definitely try it. I know you'll like it. It will be added to my "must haves" for my next party or shower.

    ReplyDelete
  3. This looks delicious! This would be a unique and yummy addition to an appetizer buffet.
    You have very nice blog!

    ReplyDelete
  4. I'm pinning this one for Autumn.
    Laura of Harvest Lane Cottage

    ReplyDelete

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