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Apricot and Almond Cheese Spread





Yields
Makes 1 1/4 cups (serving size: 2 tbsp.)




Total Time
20 mins

Long before nut-covered cheese balls hit the dairy case, French home cooks were making a delicious spread called fromage fort. The basic concept--blending leftover cheese with a little wine and seasonings--is both thrifty and open to plenty of improv (we like to use our favorite Western cheeses). Here's the method and a combination we especially like.

 1/2 pound (1 1/4 to 1 3/4 cups) coarsely chopped cheese (use equal parts fresh goat cheese such as Laura Chenel and parmesan)
  About 3 tbsp. Sauvignon Blanc wine
 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme leaves
 1/3 cup chopped dried apricots
 1/3 cup chopped unsalted roasted almonds
  Pepper
  Crackers, toasted baguette slices, or raw vegetables
Step 1
1

In a food processor, whirl cheese until finely chopped. Add 3 tbsp. wine and whirl until very smooth. Scrape into a bowl and stir in thyme, apricots, and almonds. Season generously with pepper. If needed, stir in a bit more wine until spreadable (mixture thickens as it stands).

Step 2
2

Serve cheese spread with crackers, toasted baguette slices, or raw vegetables.

Step 3
3

Make ahead: Keeps, chilled, up to 1 week.

Nutrition Facts

0 servings

Serving size


Amount per serving
Calories127
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 8.7g12%

Saturated Fat 4.4g23%
Cholesterol 17mg6%
Sodium 241mg11%
Total Carbohydrate 4.3g2%

Dietary Fiber 0.9g4%
Protein 7.7g

* The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.