KICKED-UP KENTUCKY BEER CHEESE SPREAD

Some say this traditional Kentucky dip is an acquired taste, but in my opinion it usually only takes a few bites to “acquire” it.

½ cup beer

2 pounds sharp Cheddar cheese, freshly shredded

1 chipotle pepper in adobo, finely chopped

1 tablespoon finely chopped shallot

1 clove garlic, finely chopped

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon dry mustard

Crackers and vegetables, for serving

Pour ½ cup of the beer into a measuring cup. Let it stand for 30 minutes until it is flat.

Place the cheese in the bowl of a food processor, and pulse until the cheese breaks down. Add the chipotle peppers, shallots, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard to the cheese, and process until well mixed. Add the flat beer while continuing to pulse the cheese mixture until the spread is smooth.

Refrigerate the dip until you are ready to serve it with crackers and vegetable crudités.

MAKES 8 TO 10 SERVINGS.