Smoky Sesame Cheese Log

Today is your lucky day.  I am sharing my families absolute FAVORITE Thanksgiving appetizer.  I stumbled upon this recipe about 8 years ago in a Taste of Home magazine and I have been making it for Thanksgiving ever since.  It is, of course, also perfect as a Christmas appetizer.  We are usually doing a lot of traveling at Christmas though, so I don't get to do much of the cooking.  Enjoy!

Smoky Sesame Cheese Log

2-8 oz. packages Cream Cheese, softened (reduced-fat is fine, that is what I usually use)

1 c. (4 oz.) Monterey Jack cheese (I have also used Sharp Cheddar in a pinch and I think we might like that even better)

1/2 c. Bacon, cooked & crumbled

2 Tbsp. Sesame Seeds, toasted

2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce

1 tsp. Liquid Smoke

Topping Ingredients:

1/2 c. Bacon, crumbled & cooked

1/2 c. Sesame Seeds, toasted

1 Tbsp. Chives, minced

Assorted Fresh Vegetables or Crackers

In a large bowl, beat the first five ingredients until blended.  Add liquid smoke.  Shape mixture into a log.  Cover and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight ( I sometimes speed up this process by just popping it in the freezer for 30 minutes or so before rolling it).  

For topping, combine the bacon, sesame seeds, and chives; roll cheese log in topping.  Serve with vegetables and/or crackers.

FYI: I usually use an entire 1 lb. package of bacon in this recipe (minus the couple slices that inevitably get stolen by my family while I am trying to cook;)