WINNER:
Sweet & Spicy White Cheddar Cheese Ball
with Apples and Bacon


RECIPE
1/2 c. dried apple slices
2 teaspoons Applejack Brandy (I used 1 T. of Finger Lakes Distilling Maplejack, omit syrup if using Maplejack)
1 t. pure maple syrup
6 slices of bacon
8 oz cream cheese, or lowfat (NOT nonfat) cream cheese, softened
8-10 oz of Adams Reserve New York Extra Sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded
1/4 t. cayenne pepper
2 teaspoons dark brown sugar
1 c. Trader Joes Sweet and Spicy Pecans
(substitute 1 c. pecans, 1 t. salt, 1/2 t. cayenne )
Cracker and apple slices to serve

DIRECTIONS
Put apple slices in small dish and sprinkle with brandy and maple syrup while you prep the rest of the recipe. Fry bacon in large skillet, turning frequently, until crisp, then set aside on a paper towel lined plate.

Finely chop apples.

Combine cream cheese, Adams Reserve New York Extra Sharp Cheddar, cayenne pepper, and apples in food processor. Pulse until mixture is throughly mixed and combined.

Combine pecans, brown sugar, and cooled, crumbled bacon in mini-food processor (or wash out regular processor and dry) until finely chopped.

Use spatula to remove cheese mixture to a cutting board. Lightly wet hands and roll the cheese into a ball. Roll in the bacon pecan mixture and pat to coat.

Arrange on serving platter with crackers and apple slices dipped in lemon juice/water. Enjoy!

FINALIST:
Mama's Cheddar Spaghetti

RECIPE:
2 cups white sauce (bechamel sauce) recipe below
1 6oz can of tomato puree
8oz Adams Reserve extra sharp cheddar cheese (cubed)
1/4 cup tomato ketchup
white pepper to taste
1 med onion chopped
1 15oz can of chopped tomatoes and there juice
1 tablespoon Italian mixed herbs
1 1/2 lbs thin spaghetti
black pepper & salt

DIRECTIONS:
Add tomato paste, cheese, ketchup, and white pepper to basic white sauce heat until all the cheese has melted. In a separate pan saute onion, tomatoes, Italian herbs 10 min. salt and pepper to taste.

Combine both sauces and pour over cooked pasta. Serve in a casserole dish (serves 6) ENJOY!

White sauce
4 tablespoons butter
4 tablespoons flour
2 cups warm milk

Melt butter add flour and mix into a rue then slowly add milk whisk until milk comes to a slow boil.

FINALIST:
Olive Cheese Cookies

RECIPE:
1/4 cup butter
4 oz ( 1 cup) shredded Adams Reserve New York shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup flour
1/4 tsp paprika

DIRECTIONS:
Cream together cheese and butter.

Mix in flour and paprika. Form one teaspoon dough around olive.

Refrigerate overnight.

Bake on ungreased cookie sheet for 10-15 mins.