Halloween is my favorite time to surprise guests with new recipe tricks and treats! Sautéed shallots and feta cheese flavor this simple spread, which is a delicious hors d'oeuvre at any time of year, formed into a spooky spider! Check this out:
Here's what you'll need:
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 very large shallots, thinly sliced (2 cups)
10 ounces fresh goat cheese, softened
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
6 ounces Greek feta cheese, at room temperature
Black sesame seeds and 1 piquillo pepper, for garnish
Six 6-inch painted twigs, for spider legs
Crackers, flat breads and bread sticks, for serving
Crackers, flat breads and bread sticks
Directions:
1.In a medium skillet, melt the butter. Add the shallots and cook over moderate heat, stirring occasionally, until softened, about 8 minutes. Scrape the shallots into a food processor and let cool. Add the goat cheese, cream cheese and feta and puree until smooth. Scrape the cheese into a bowl and refrigerate until chilled, about 30 minutes.
2.Shape one third of the cheese mixture into a ball and roll in black sesame seeds to coat; shape the remaining two-thirds into a larger ball and coat with black sesame seeds. On a serving board, press the balls together to form the head and body of a spider. Cut the piquillo pepper into 2 small triangles and place them on the body in an hourglass shape. Serve with crackers, flat breads or bread sticks.
Make Ahead The unformed cheese mixture can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
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