Thursday, March 18, 2010

Steeplechase Preparations

Oh, what a Golden Day Saturday is sure to be!  We are looking at partly sunny skies and a lovely 75 degrees for the Aiken Steeplechase.  I went to the grocery store yesterday to get supplies for my part of the spread:  brownies, homemade oatmeal raisin  and chocolate chip cookies, and the "Now Famous Cheese Ring".

(This isn't mine... you'll see my creation next week
with picture from the races!)
 

You've never heard of the "Now Famous Cheese Ring"???  Heavens!!!  It is divine, scrumptious, and a hit every year.  I have been making it as long as I have been entertaining.  The recipe comes from the fabulous cookbook Tea Time at the Masters  (Augusta, Georgia JL cookbook from years past).  And I thought I would share this delicious hors d'oeurve with you.

"Now Famous" Cheese Ring
1 pound sharp cheddar cheese, grated
1 cup mayonnaise
1 cup pecans, chopped
1/2 cup onions, grated or finely chopped
6 twists (of the pepper mill) of freshly ground pepper
1 dash cayenne pepper
12 ounces strawberry preserves
  • Mix all ingredients except strawberry preserves and shape into a ring. 
  • However, I usually "pour" into a bowl and scoop out the middle after it is chilled.
  • Chill
  • Spoon preserves into the hollow before serving. 
  • Serve with Ritz or wheat crackers.
Oh, so delish!

20 comments:

  1. I am so going to have to try that recipe! TFS :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. thank you, thank you, thank you!! I needed to bring something to my sisters on Sunday. I will be taking this!!
    PS LOVE MY MADRAS BAG!

    ReplyDelete
  3. oh yum, that sounds absolutely DELICIOUS!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Can't wait to see what you're wearing. Lilly?

    ReplyDelete
  5. Oh how fun! We are huge Steeplechase fans! We are going to one in April, so maybe I should take your yummy treat!!! Have fun!!!

    ReplyDelete
  6. I make this too! I call it my hubby's cheese ring. It's fun to mold it into a Christmas tree in December too. My friend mixes the strawberry preserves into the cheese dip and calls it "Ugly Dip". It's so delicious! Have a wonderful time!

    ReplyDelete
  7. By the end of Steeple Chase, the strawberry preserves will be all mixed in our cheese ring too! And actually, you are right... it is even more extra, extra delicious that way! ;)

    ReplyDelete
  8. How incredibly fun! I love that you have a signature "Steeple Chase" appetizer. Sounds delish and thanks for the recipe! I too am dying to know your fab outfit for the festivities...will you take pics for us please? XOXO Love, your adoring fan club :)

    ReplyDelete
  9. I also make this and it's delicious! Once I had just placed it on the serving plate and went to pick up the phone only to have my lab bite a big hunk out of it. From then on, everytime the fridge door opened and anyone touched the plate it was on she made a bee line for them. We call it the Junior League Cheese Ring because for a while we all served it so often. It's a great recipe.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Sounds yummy! Have a wonderful time this weekend. It's going to be 68 here this weekend and then we are heading back to the 30's ~ ugh!

    Jo

    ReplyDelete
  11. I love steeplechases! So much fun. Your recipe looks great, too.

    ReplyDelete
  12. I've been to Polo but never a steeple chase... I'm on my way to watch some horses chase steeples (!!! LOL) and eat your dip!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Okay, I've found my hors d'oeuvre for my next get-together - yum!! Have fun on Saturday - can't wait to see the pics. And, the all-important question, what are you wearing to the Steeple Chase?

    ReplyDelete
  14. Oh how fun and yea beautiful weather for ya'll! I remember going to the Carolina Cup when I was in college...I love how everybody in SC knows each other! Love that recipe too! Can't wait to see pictures.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Love that cheese ring- The Augusta Junior League cookbooks are awesome- several of my favorite recipes include: spicy carrots, cheese ring and Harriet's Pork Tenderloin. Lots more, but can't think of the recipe titles w/o looking in the books.

    ReplyDelete
  16. I'll have to do that for my next tailgate!
    xoxo
    SC

    ReplyDelete
  17. Oh my that sounds DI-VINE! I WILL make this (and probably eat it all by myself, lol!)!

    ReplyDelete
  18. LOVE this recipe and all recipes from the JL of Augusta cookbooks. I'm so looking forward to your photos. I read in the Chronicle online that it was sunny there on Saturday:)

    ReplyDelete
  19. Yum! I make that with raspberry preserves and serve with "Sociables" crackers...going to try your way as it looks delicious! Always up for a change! Thanks

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for your sweet comments... They make my day just that more Golden!