- Disclosure : This post was sponsored by Heluva Good! Cheese as part of an Influence Central campaign and all opinions expressed in my post are my own.
As much as I would love to entertain, our busy work schedules doesn't permit elaborate culinary indulgence or dinner soirees. But one thing that is always up my alley is a social rendezvous over wine and cheese.
No matter where we hail from, what culture we belong to, what language we speak; one language the entire world understands is the language of food, and when the food is centered around wine and cheese: then there are sparks and instant connection..... Hosting a wine and cheese party need not be nerve-racking. You don't need any major culinary skills or tools to host one yourself : just a few key ingredients, some presentation props and lots of cheese love is all you need. I have teamed up with “Heluva Good! Block Cheese” to bring to your table an easy cheese platter and table setting, that is sure to win your guest's hearts. Also, I am whipping up a quick baked cheesy dip, that is not only finger-licking good, the robust cheesy flavor will give a major case of binge-eating to your guests.
For a 'serves 6' baked bean cheese dip you need :refried beans: 1 16 oz jar
chunky salsa: 1 jar
softened creme cheese: 1 8oz block
taco seasoning: 1 packet
pickled jalapeños: 8-10 rounds
oven safe dish
Heluva sharp cheddar cheese : 1 8oz block
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
- Grease the bottom of your baking dish with some cooking spray.
- Open the jar of refried beans, smooth out a layer of beans.
- Next comes the cream cheese. Make sure the cream cheese is soft, otherwise you will have a hard time spreading it over the beans. Another way to do this is to mix the beans and cream cheese together and then spread out a layer.
- Now pour some salsa over the beans and cream cheese layer.
If you love a little kick in your snack, then pickled jalapeños are the way to go. Use generously for a punch of heat or sparingly for a more kid-friendly version.
- What makes this dip so yummy is the choice of seasoning. Personally, I like the taco seasoning, but you could use fajita or any other seasoning of your choosing.
- Finally it is time for the show-stopper: HELUVA cheese. I used sharp cheddar cheese, but the extra sharp would taste equally good.
- Top it off with some more jalapeño.
- Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes or until the cheese melts.
Serving instructions for this baked cheese dip:
This dip really goes well with the nacho corn chips, but you could also serve crackers as an accompaniment.
For setting up the cheese board, you'll need:
- vehicle- platter/ boards/tray
- cheese- Heluva cheese - you could use cheddar cubes, Monterey jack, white cheddar or even colby ( all available at Walmart, special rebate code:http://goic.io/Id1kDe)
- crunch- salted crackers, french toast crisps
- fruit- apples, grape, cherries
- veggies- celery, carrots, colorful peppers
- tart- green/black olives
- sweet- dry fruits like prune, apricots, almonds, figs
- meat- prosciutto, salami
- extra- chocolate
- cheese knives
Wine pairing: have both white and red options.
Drink- mint or cucumber infused water is always refreshing.
For setting the table, you'll need :
- runner or any equivalent of a runner
- serving coasters
- salt pepper shaker
- snack plates
- silvers
- straws
- napkins
- wine glasses
- mason jars for water/juice
- bottle opener
- candles/lighter
- flowers in vase
Now sit back and relax................
