Herbed Cheese Spread for Northwest Bartletts

Ingredients

8 ounces feta cheese 
8 ounces cream cheese, softened 
1 tablespoon each minced parsley and green onion 
1/4 teaspoon ground savory 
Dash pepper 
1 small clove garlic, minced (optional) 
Minced parsley for garnish (optional) 
Fresh Northwest Bartlett Pears, cored and sliced

Directions

Finely crumble feta cheese in food processor until it resembles cornmeal. Add remaining ingredients, except parsley for garnish and the pears; process until smooth. Line a 3-cup bowl with plastic wrap; pack cheese into bowl and cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate until firm. Invert cheese and spread onto serving plate; remove plastic wrap. Sprinkle with minced parsley. Serve with pear slices. 

Blender/Mixer Variation 
Crumble feta cheese in blender. Place feta cheese and remaining ingredients except parsley for garnish and pears in small mixer bowl. Add 2 to 4 tablespoons half-and-half. Mix on medium to high speed until fluffy and well-blended. Continue as above. 

Other Info

The weight yield remains about the same, but the volume increases by approximately 1/4 with the Blender/Mixer Variation. Spread is also fluffier.

Makes about 2 cups spread.