There are just those times when all I really want is a nice adult beverage and a nibble of something savory and mouth friendly. For me, there just isn’t anything better than one of Mr. Cs martinis and a couple of really good crackers spread with this cheese. And when I say good crackers, I’m not talkin’ Chicken in a Biscuit! I mean good crackers! And some of the best crackers I have ever tasted are in a new product line imported from Canada. (At least they are new to me.) The maker of my new favorite crackers is Open Nature. The three I like the best (and coincidentally the only three I have tasted so far) are Rosemary & Onion Flatbread, Rosemary Raisin Cracker Crisps, and Cranberry Cracker Crisps. They are simply astonishingly good.

So do yourself a favor and serve this wonderful cheese ball at your next soiree. Your guests will think you are a culinary goddess. (But don’t forget. You don’t have to tell anyone how easy this recipe is to prepare. After all, even the most minor of goddesses is entitled to a little secret here and there! This could be one of yours….)

• 8 oz. cream cheese, room temperature
• couple grinds black pepper
• 2 c. (scant) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 3 T. port – either tawny or ruby*
• 1/2 c. dried cranberries, roughly chopped, opt.
• 1/2 c. toasted chopped pecans

Combine cream cheese, pepper, cheddar cheese, and port in a food processor. Whirl until creamy and smooth. Stir in chopped dried cranberries. Refrigerate at least 1 hour before shaping into a ball. Wrap ball in plastic wrap and refrigerate until about an hour before ready to serve. Roll in pecans just before serving. Great with crackers and thin apple slices.

*Or for a more intense port wine flavor: In a small saucepan, boil port until it is reduced to about 3 tablespoons. Remove from heat and cool completely.

Bonus Recipe: Place room temperature cream cheese on a plate. Top with Dalmatia Fig Spread and serve with Rosemary Raisin Cracker Crisps. (And yes I know you are shocked that I didn’t make my own fig spread. I’ve tried. But I just can’t reproduce anything nearly as good as this wonderful spread that comes in a small jar with an orange “paper” lid.) You simply owe it to yourself to try this lovely combination in the near future.