Bourbon Street Cheese Spread

I made this cheese spread the day before Christmas Eve for my family's Christmas Eve dinner. I wanted something that could be made in advance, travelled well, didn't require warming in the oven and used ingredients procured during my weekly shopping run. Everyone loved it, even those who don't like "sweet" things. The caramel topping is savory and sweet and pairs perfectly with the onion and garlic cheese base. I highly recommend this travel friendly, make ahead appetizer. I enjoyed it so much that it's reappearing on New Year's Eve!

This recipe is from Taste of Home and was made exactly as presented.
Serves 8-9 people.

INGREDIENTS:
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1 tablespoon grated onion
1 garlic clove, minced
1/4 cup butter, cubed
1/4 cup packed dark brown sugar (I used light brown sugar)
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 teaspoon prepared mustard
1 cup finely chopped pecans, toasted
Assorted crackers

In a small bowl, combine the cream cheese, onion and garlic. Transfer to a serving plate, shape into a 6-inch disk. Set aside.

In a small saucepan, combine the butter, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce and mustard. Cook and stir over medium heat for 4-5 minutes or until sugar is dissolved. Remove from the heat and stir in pecans.

Cool slightly. Spoon over cheese mixture. Serve with crackers.

1/4 cup: 280 cals/26g fat (11g saturated fat)/46mg cholesterol/138mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein