Cook the Book
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[Photograph: Squire Fox]

The ingredient list for Matt and Ted Lee's cheese spread reads almost like a 2nd grader's cafeteria prank. Cheese, ketchup, worcestershire, horseradish, Tabasco, and beer—how could that taste good? Yet this recipe, from their new cookbook The Lee Bros. Charleston Kitchen, is one of those magical recipes that just works. The balance of tart, spicy, sweet, and malty is totally on point, making for a dip so multilayered that it's impossible to stop eating.

Why I picked this recipe: I will never say no to rich, cheesy dips, especially when they involve beer and horseradish (two of my favorite things).

What worked: This potent, spicy dip was indeed as excellent as described, great on crackers but even better eaten with a spoon straight out of the bowl.

What didn't: No problems here.

Suggested tweaks: As with most dips, this cheese spread is pretty adaptable. Dropping the spice is easy, and you could replace the beer with broth or milk if you don't want the alcohol.

As always with our Cook the Book feature, we have five (5) copies of The Lee Bros. Charleston Kitchen to give away this week.

Excerpted with permission from The Lee Bros. Charleston Kitchen, copyright 2013 by Matt Lee and Ted Lee. Published by Clarkson Potter, a division of Random House. All rights reserved. Available wherever books are sold.

About This Recipe

Yield: Makes 1 1/2 cups
Active time: 10 minutes
Total time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

  • 10 ounces sharp Cheddar cheese, grated (3 cups)
  • 2 ounces (1/4 cup) lager or ale
  • Juice of 1 lemon (3 tablespoons)
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish, drained
  • 2 teaspoons hot sauce, such as Tabasco or Crystal
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons dry mustard
  • 1 garlic clove, minced

Procedures

  1. Combine all the ingredients in the bowl of a food processor and pulse until the mixture is smooth and spreadable. Transfer to a small bowl to serve.