Last Minute Cheese Spread

(about 1 1/2 cups)

Need a last minute appetizer, but don't have time to head out? You might be in luck if you have some cheese on hand, some wine.... oh and a food processor would be handy too!

I served this cheese spread with sesame rice crackers. Plain might have been better, but that's all I had in the cupboard.

1/2 lb of firm cheese, I used a combination of gouda and sharp cheddar
2 tbsp butter or cream cheese
1 1/2 tsp prepared mustard
1/2 tsp sweet paprika
a pinch or two cayenne
up to 1/3 cup of dry wine
1 tbsp drained capers, chopped chives, sliced green onions, chopped red onion, or chopped bell pepper

Cut the cheese into chunks and place into the bowl of a food processor fitted with a steel blade. Add the butter or cream cheese, mustard, paprika and cayenne. Pulse a few times until the mixture looks crumbly. With the motor running, add one tablespoon at a time of the wine until you have a smooth spread. You might have to stop a few times to break up the cheese inside the bowl which might form into a ball.

Scrape down the sides and add the capers or whatever you have on hand for a bit of texture. Pulse a couple of times, just enough to mix in.

Serve with cut up vegetables or crackers.