Excellent with crackers, on crusty bread or served as a dip with crudites. Makes 1 1/2 cups.
1/2 small onion, quartered
3 large garlic cloves, peeled
2 teaspoons olive oil
2 large red bell peppers
1 1/2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese (Tillamook), packed
Dash of cayenne pepper
2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
Preheat oven to 375ยบ.
Place onion and garlic in small baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil. Bake until soft, stirring occasionally, about 50 minutes. Cool.
Meanwhile, char peppers over gas flame on all sides. Cool ten minutes. Peel and seed peppers. Pat dry. Place all ingredients except chives in a food processor. Puree until almost smooth.
Transfer to a bowl. Stir in chives. Season with salt and pepper.
Cover and refrigerate at least two hours.
Can be prepared one day ahead.
