Submitted by: Susan

Attributed to: Marilyn

Category: Appetizers

Description: When former President Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, have friends over during the holidays, you can be sure there's a Plains Special Cheese Ring on the table. For years friends of the Carters have been scooping up mouthfuls of the cheese ring with crackers as they discuss the state of the world. The President served this at the White House on many occasions during his four years in Washington, and it's long been a favorite of Rosalynn's. It's simple -- as a cheese ring from Plains, Georgia, should be -- but tasty. 

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: Overnight

Servings: 12-16

Difficulty rating: 2

Ingredients:

1 pound Sharp cheese, grated

1 cup Nuts, chopped

1 cup Mayonnaise

1 small Onion, finely grated

Black pepper, to taste

1/8 teaspoon Cayenne pepper

1 (12 ounces) jar Strawberry preserves

1 box buttery crackers (ie, Ritz)

Special tools/utensils needed: 

5-6 quart savarin mold

Directions:

1. Combine the cheese, nuts, mayonnaise, and onion.

2. Season to taste with pepper.

3. Mix well and place in a 5-6 qt lightly-greased savarin mold. 

4. Refrigerate until firm for several hours or overnight.

5. To serve, place a dish of strawberry preserves in the middle of the cheese ring and serve with buttery crackers.