3-WAY CHEESE SPREAD

Make this basic cheese spread and use with 3 separate mixtures.

Basic Cheese Spread:
1 pkg (8-oz) Neufchatel cheese, softened
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/3 cup milk

Combine all the ingredients in a mixing bowl and mix at medium speed of electric mixer until well blended.  Divide the mixture into three 2/3 cup portions and add a group of the following to one portion.

Group 1:
2 tbsp finely chopped green pepper
2 tbsp shredded carrot
1 tsp grated onion

Stir into one portion of the basic cheese spread.

Group 2:
2 bacon slices, cooked crisp and crumbled
1 1/2 tsp prepared horseradish

Stir into one portion of the basic cheese spread.

Group 3:
1/4 tsp dill weed
1/8 tsp garlic powder
1/8 tsp black pepper

Stir into one portion of the basic cheese spread.

You can cut the tops off 3 bell peppers, 1 red, 1 green, 1 yellow and clean out the seeds.  Put the 3 spreads into the 3 peppers for a colorful presentation.

Spread on a variety of whole-grain crackers to serve.

Paula Deen photo for reference only.