Shelly's Recipe

CARAMELIZED APPLE-BLUE CHEESE SPREAD

Category: Spreads -- Cold

1 tbsp butter
1 tsp sugar
2 large firm apples (preferably Fuji or Braeburn), finely chopped (about 2 cups)
1 shallot, finely chopped
1 (8 oz) pkg cream cheese, room temperature
1 cup crumbled blue cheese (preferably Maytag or Roquefort)
3/4 cup mayonnaise
3/4 cup sour cream
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup chopped pecans
40 slices French bread or crackers

In 1-quart saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Stir in sugar until it dissolves, about 20 seconds. Add apples and shallot. Cook 20 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally until mixture turns golden brown and aroma is reminiscent of apple cider. (Do not rush process; color takes a while to form, but the flavor is worth it.) Set aside to cool completely

Meanwhile, in small bowl, mix cream cheese, cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream and salt until well blended. Gently stir in cooled caramelized apple mixture and the pecans. Refrigerate 30 minutes before serving. Garnish with additional chopped pecans if desired. Serve with bread or crackers.