Layered Cranberry Cheddar Spread

This is a great appetizer to serve for fall or winter potluck dinners. Serve in a clear 1 1/2-quart bowl to show off the pretty layers.

Layered Cranberry Cheddar Spread

2 cups cranberries
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup orange juice
1 Tablespoon grated orange rind
8 ounce package cream cheese, softened
2 Tablespoons dry sherry
1 cup whipping cream, whipped
3 cups shredded Cheddar cheese

In 2-quart saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, orange juice and rind; bring to a boil. Boil 10 minutes; stirring occasionally. Chill. Combine cream cheese and sherry; mixing until well blended. Fold in whipped cream. Layer cranberry mixture, Cheddar cheese and cream cheese mixture in 1 1/2-quart serving container. Cover with plastic wrap; chill. Serve with crackers or pear and apple slices.