Holiday Cheddar Spread

Ingredients:

• 8 oz cream cheese, room temperature
• 4 oz butter, room temperature
• 1 pinch black pepper
• ¼ cup liquid (beer, non-alcoholic beer, white wine, or buttermilk)
• 2 cups sharp old cheddar cheese, grated
• 1 small onion, finely minced
• Parsley sprig or paprika, for garnish

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl or food processor, blend the cream cheese and butter until smooth and fully combined.
2. Add black pepper and enough liquid to make the mixture light and fluffy.
3. Add grated cheddar cheese and mix until well combined. Add a little more liquid if needed to maintain a spreadable texture.
4. Gently mix in the minced onion just until incorporated (do not overmix).
5. Transfer to a serving bowl and garnish with parsley or a sprinkle of paprika.
6. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Remove from the fridge about 20 minutes before serving and enjoy with crackers.