Fruited Holiday Cheese Logs

• 12 cup snipped dried apricot
• 13 cup snipped golden raisin
• 14 cup snipped pitted dates
• 2 cups shredded monterey jack cheese
• 4 ounces cream cheese
• 2 tablespoons orange juice
• 14 teaspoon salt
• 12 cup chopped almonds, toasted
• whole grain cracker
• apple, slices

1. In a small bowl soak apricots, raisins, and dates in enough hot water to cover for about 30 minutes or until softened.
2. Drain well; set aside.
3. Meanwhile, place Monterey Jack cheese and cream cheese in a medium mixing bowl.
4. Let stand at room temperature for 30 minutes.
5. Add orange juice to cheeses in bowl.
6. Beat with an electric mixer until well combined.
7. Stir in drained apricots, raisins, dates, and salt.
8. Divide mixture in half.
9. Shape one portion of the cheese mixture into a log about 5 inches long.
10. Repeat with remaining cheese mixture.
11. Cover (with wax paper or plastic wrap) and chill logs for 4 to 24 hours.
12. Before serving, roll each log in toasted almonds.
13. Serve with assorted crackers and/or apple slices.
14. NOTE: TO TOAST ALMONDS.
15. Spread nuts in a single layer in a shallow baking pan.
16. Bake in a preheated 350 degree F oven for 5 to 10 minutes or until pieces are golden brown, stirring once or twice.
17. Cool completely.
18. Store in airtight container for up to 4 weeks.

apricot, golden raisin, dates, shredded monterey jack cheese, cream cheese, orange juice, salt, almonds, grain cracker, apple

Taken from www.food.com/recipe/fruited-holiday-cheese-logs-340330 (may not work)