Marinated Cheese

This is a very colorful and tasty appetizer. Because it has such a stunning presentation, it is a great appetizer for the holidays. I got this recipe from a friend (Cate) and I will think of her every time I make it.

List of ingredients: olive oil, balsamic vinegar, roasted red pepper, parsley, green onion, garlic, sugar, basil, salt, pepper, cheddar and cream cheese
Arrange cheese alternately in a shallow glass baking dish with slices standing on end.

INGREDIENTS:
½ cup olive oil
½ cup balsamic vinegar
½ cup roasted red pepper, finely diced
¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
3 green onions, thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon sugar (use up to 1 Tablespoon depending on grade of vinegar)
¼ cup fresh basil, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 (8 ounce) package medium Cheddar cheese
1 (8 ounce) package cream
cheese, cold

DIRECTIONS:

1. Combine first 10 ingredients in a jar; cover tightly, and shake vigorously. Set aside. This can be made a day ahead and stored in refrigerator. (Reserve some roasted red pepper, parsley, green onion and basil for garnish, which will add color to the top.)
2. Cut the block of Cheddar cheese in half lengthwise. Cut crosswise into 1/4 inch slices to form squares. Repeat with cream cheese. Arrange cheese squares alternately in a shallow baking dish with slices standing on edge. You can arrange in a single long row, or 2 parallel rows depending on the size of your dish. Pour the marinade from the jar over the cheese slices, cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours, or overnight.
3. To serve, remove slices to a serving platter so they are still arranged in an alternating pattern. Using a slotted spoon, spoon the marinade over the cheese so that all the herbs, onion and pepper stay on top of cheese. Pour remaining marinade over all and serve with crackers.


Garnish: I like to garnish with extra roasted red pepper, parsley, green onion and basil for extra color on top.
Hint: I like to use a hearty wheat cracker that can hold both cheeses.