Shelly's Recipe

CHEDDAR-BEER SPREAD

Category: Spreads -- Cold

1/2 cup mild lager-style beer
1 lb sharp cheddar cheese or extra-sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (4 cups)
1/4 cup minced onion, rinsed and patted dry
2 tbsp ketchup
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
1 1/2 tsp Tabasco sauce
1 clove garlic, minced

Bring the beer to a boil in a small saucepan over high heat. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 1 minute. Transfer to a small bowl and cool to room temperature. Process the cheddar, onion, ketchup, mustard, Worcestershire, Tabasco, and garlic in a food processor until very smooth, about 1 1/2 minutes. With the machine running, slowly drizzle in the beer and process until the mixture is smooth, about 1 minute. Transfer to a bowl, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate until firm, about 2 hours. Serve with crackers or bread or as a dip with crudites.
Serves 8 to 10

To Make Ahead: The spread can be refrigerated, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, for up to 1 week.