16 oz. sharp Cheddar cheese, grated

3 oz. cream cheese, softened

¾ c. good quality mayonnaise  

½ small onion, finely diced

1 c. chopped pecans

½ t. garlic powder

Dash of cayenne pepper

1 c. strawberry preserves

Combine all ingredients except strawberry preserves in a food processor or electric mixer.  Mix thoroughly and refrigerate for 2-3 hours.

Scoop the mixture onto a piece of waxed paper. Using another sheet of waxed paper, form the mixture into a ring. Lightly place your serving platter on top of the ring, and then carefully flip the ring onto the platter. Smooth and round off the top of the ring.  Refrigerate until serving.

To serve, spread strawberry preserves in center of the ring and serve with buttery crackers or wheat squares (Angela prefers Reduced Fat Ritz or Reduced Fat Wheat Thins).