APPLE MAPLE CHEDDAR SPREAD

From : Dairygoodness
Ingredients
1 red apple, cored
1/2 cup (125 mL) cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup (75 mL) 10% half-and-half cream
1/2 cup (125 mL) shredded white or
orange Canadian Extra Old Cheddar cheese
1 tbsp (15 mL) pure maple syrup
1 tbsp (15 mL) chopped fresh chives or
green onions
1/2 tin (2 mL) Dijon mustard
1 small clove garlic, minced
Chives and/or thin apple slices (optional)
Crackers, flatbreads and/or celery sticks

Preparation
Using large holes of a box–cheese grater, grate the apple and squeeze out juice; set grated apple aside.
In a medium bowl, using a hand mixer, beat cream cheese and cream until smooth. Stir in grated apple, Canadian Cheddar cheese, maple syrup, chives, mustard and garlic until combined. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hr to blend flavours or for up to 2 days. (Spread will thicken upon standing.) Transfer to serving container and garnish with chives and/or apple slices (if using). Serve with crackers, flatbreads and/or celery sticks.
Tips
For true cheese lovers, look for 3-year Canadian Old Cheddar cheese to use in this recipe to showcase its sharp bite that tastes delicious with the sweet crisp apple.
Maple Cheddar Cheese Option: Omit maple syrup and Canadian Extra Old Cheddar cheese and substitute ½ cup (125 mL) shredded Canadian Maple Cheddar cheese.

Smoked Cheddar Option: Omit Canadian Extra Old Cheddar cheese and substitute ½ cup (125 mL) shredded Canadian smoked Old Cheddar cheese.