Port wine cheese spread

Cheese and crackers go retro with this super easy port wine cheese spread; all the addictive flavor, none of the garish colors.

Summer is just the best time for parties and entertaining, isn't it? Who doesn't love celebrating al fresco with friends at a garden party, backyard cookout or cocktail party on the deck?

It's no wonder so many people choose to get married in the summer, too -- talk about an opportunity for a grand outdoor party!

To celebrate summer and special occasions like weddings and anniversaries, I've teamed up with the folks at Uncommon Goods to introduce you to some of the amazing items they have available in their unique catalog that are perfect for gift-giving or entertaining -- and to give you a chance to win a prize package of their wares.

Case in point: the cheese-and-cracker serving board and butter and cheese knife you see in these photos. In particular, the gorgeous, made-in-Vermont cheeseboard is featured in the Uncommon Collection, an exclusive assortment of products that meet their highest standards for uncommon design, sustainability and doing good. I love the kitschiness of the ampersand -- because we all know you've gotta have crackers AND cheese!

And speaking of doing good, I'm a frequent shopper -- especially at the holidays -- at the Uncommon Goods web site because I love their mission, which is to support and provide a platform for artists and designers by featuring their unique jewelry, designer decor and handcrafted gifts that created in harmony with the environment without harm to animals or people. And they also impact the world in a positive way, including the Better to Give program, in which Uncommon Goods donates $1 to the non-profit charity of your choice with every purchase you make. Since the program started 12 years ago, they've donated over $1 million to charities around the world.

Just in time for all those upcoming events to which you're being invited, you can check out Uncommon Goods' cool selection of wedding gifts here as well as some unique personalized gifts on this page.  And this page of anniversary gifts provides excellent ideas for summer party hostess gifts that your hosts will actually love!

So you can see I'm a lover of Uncommon Goods and am trying to spread that love (as the cheese knife will tell you!). To tempt you even further, I'm including a quick and easy recipe for port wine cheese spread, the best cheese spread to pair with crackers EVAH! While my version may not sport the artificially bright orange and fuchsia of the spread you might remember from your youth, it's just as yummy and addictive as you remember spread on a cracker and enjoyed with a glass of crisp white wine for your next al fresco cocktail party. Packed into a crock or rolled in toasted nuts to make a pretty cheese ball, this port wine cheese spread is seriously addictive.

And one lucky reader will be able to serve this port wine cheese spread on her very own ampersand Cheese-and-Cracker Board with the Spread the Love butter and cheese knife! Enter via the widget below the recipe for your chance to win this gorgeous entertaining duo. (Note: The giveaway is open to U.S. residents 18 years of age and older and ends on July 20, 2016 at 12:00 am.)

Happy Summer!

Port Wine Cheese Spread

For serving, you can either pack the cheese into a jar or crock or divide into 2 balls and roll in toasted, chopped walnuts -- or do both, as I did!
(inspired by Kitchen Encounters)

Ingredients:
8 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese (I use Cabot Seriously Sharp)
8 ounces Neufchatel cheese (often labeled "light" or "reduced-fat" cream cheese)
scant 1/4 cup ruby port wine
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1.5 cups chopped walnuts, lightly toasted (optional)

Directions:
Combine the two cheeses, port and Worcestershire sauce in a food processor. Pulse the mixture to combine and then process until smooth. If you're not planning to turn this into cheese balls for serving, at this point just scrape out the spread and pack it into jars or crocks and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. For cheese balls, scrape out the spread into a bowl, cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Then scoop out the firmed cheese spread and divide into 2-3 portions. Roll the portions into balls with your hands and roll in a shallow dish of the chopped walnuts until coated. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve.

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www.yankeekitchenninja.com
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Note: While Uncommon Goods is providing the prizes for this giveaway and has compensated me for this post, the recipe and all thoughts expressed are my own. Thanks for supporting the awesome brands that support me!