Do you have a holiday party to go to and need something to bring (preferably really easy)? This has always been a big hit when I bring it to parties and it is really simple to make. Make it ahead of time and keep it in the fridge. And normally, I am not a big fan of cheese logs. I just recently took this to a potluck picnic and everyone loved it!

• 1 pkg (8oz) cream cheese
• 1 1/2  C grated cheese–I usually use white cheddar, but for a milder flavor, you can use Swiss or other cheese that is the same type of texture
• 1 T Dijon mustard
• 1 t Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and Pepper–if you have salt and pepper grinder, use these.
• 1 C shelled unsalted pistachios, coarsely chopped
• Crackers

Beat the cream cheese, cheese, mustard, and Worcestershire sauce until combined, season with the salt and pepper. Cover this and refrigerate until pretty firm. This is take at least an hour.

Toast the pistachios in a cast iron skillet over medium heat and set aside to cool.

Put the chilled cheese mixture on a piece of waxed paper and use the paper to form a log about 6 inches long.

At this point, if I am making this ahead of time, I wrap the log in the wax paper and store in the fridge.

About an hour before you will be serving the cheese log, cover the cheese in the chopped pistachios and wrap in wax paper again. Chill until ready to eat! Serve with crackers.

Tip: Make sure you write down the recipe and take it with you! I am always asked for this recipe. Also take along a nice bottle of wine as a gift. Your hostess will love you. This is another one you could add to your gift giving list.

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Check it out.

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Check out my fish (who I named Snaggle Tooth) on my Zazzle site:

Snaggle Tooth T-shirt

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I just updated my lens on Creative Gift Giving for the holidays.

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Years ago, I had a co-worker who used to bring this to our pot-luck lunches. She was from England and told me that it was a family recipe and they only made it on special occasions. I love to make this during the holidays for gifts.

1 C Flour
1/2 C Cornstarch (almond if you can find it)
1/2 C Butter
1/4 C Sugar

Sift dry ingredients. Add the softened butter and work in with your hands. Knead the mixture to make sure it binds together. Form into a square and place in a greased baking tin.

Bake at 325 degrees until it begins to color. Reduce the heat to 200 degrees and continue cooking for about 1 hour (total time).

Cut into rectangles while the shortbread is still warm.

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