Marinated Cheese.

This is excellent, but it is also beautiful on an appetizer table.

Marinated Cheese

Prep: 10 min., Chill: 8 hrs. "I use it a lot because it is so easy to put together," says Susan. When assembling this recipe, make sure the cream cheese is thoroughly chilled for easier slicing.

1 (0.7-oz.) envelope Italian dressing mix
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup white vinegar
2 tablespoons minced green onion
2 tablespoons water
1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
1 (8-oz.) block Monterey Jack cheese, chilled
1 (8-oz.) block Cheddar cheese, chilled
1 (8-oz.) package cream cheese, chilled
1 (4-oz.) jar chopped pimiento, drained
 Assorted crackers

1. Whisk together first 6 ingredients. Set aside.

2. Cut Monterey Jack cheese in half lengthwise. Cut each half crosswise into 1/4-inch-thick slices. Repeat with Cheddar cheese and cream cheese.

3. Arrange cheese in 4 rows in a shallow 2-qt. baking dish, alternating Monterey Jack cheese, Cheddar cheese, and cream cheese. Pour marinade over cheese. Cover and chill at least 8 hours.

4. Drain marinade; arrange cheese on a platter in rows. Top with pimiento, and serve with assorted crackers.

Yield: Makes 25 appetizer servings

Southern Living, OCTOBER 2006