With the holidays rushing upon us, one of those perennial party favorites is a soft, slightly spicy cheese spread flavored with Sam Adams summer ale.  I started my quest in designing this recipe with my memories of a similar cheddar spread presented to all dining patrons of the famous, historic Anthony’s Pier 4 restaurant on Boston’s harbor, located at…well, where else? Pier 4 of course!  Anthony’s Pier 4 has long been my family’s seafood restaurant of choice when dropping off or picking up from Logan Airport during mealtimes.  Their fried oysters are to die for…and their Grand Marnier souffle is truly memorable!  Recently it was announced in the news that the landmark Anthony’s is being replaced by a massive waterfront residential/commercial park complex with construction to begin spring of 2012

Here is my ode to many memorable, picturesque, delicious dinners at Anthony’s Pier 4:

Trudy’s  Beer Cheese Spread

Ingredients enough for 2 cups of spread:

• 4 oz cream cheese, at room temperature
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded monterey jack cheese
• 1/2 small onion, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, chopped
• 6 oz favorite bottled beer ( I use Sam Adams summer ale) at room temperature
• Tabasco to taste, a dash or two
• 2 squirts of Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp favorite mustard
• pinch of dried thyme
• salt & pepper to taste

Sweat the onions and garlic in a small skillet using just a dab of butter.  When translucent (five minutes at most), set aside to cool briefly.

Combine all the rest of the ingredients in a food processor, including the onions and garlic…except for the beer and process for 2-3 minutes.  Pour half of the beer into the processor using the chute while it is working and keep an eye on the consistency of the cheese spread.  At this stage it will appear lumpy.  Continue to process and add the remaining beer a little at a time.  The spread will become smoother and fluffier.  Taste occasionally and correct seasonings according to your level of spiciness.  You can use all cheddar if you prefer zero tolerance for spiciness.  Once it reaches the consistency of a whipped frosting, you can scoop into a clean container to store in the refrigerator up to several weeks.

Fast and easy to make, deliciously homemade, and handy to have around for unexpected entertaining….or to aid in the unwinding process along with a relaxing cocktail at the end of a long day