Obatzda

Obatzda is a traditional Bavarian beer garden cheese spread. Like so many other things that I like to make, each person’s recipe is their own-the basic elements are just camembert, butter, beer, onion and paprika. Where you go from there is up to you. Since I am having this with rye flatbreads, I’m skipping the caraway and I’m not using the garlic, but you can do what you like.

Ingredients:

8 ounces camembert at room temperature, rind removed and chopped
2 Tablespoon butter, at room temperature
2 Tablespoons good beer
2 Tablespoons finely chopped shallot or onion
2 to 3 teaspoons (3 t=1 Tablespoon) paprika (sweet, hot or smoked-your choice)
Salt and pepper to taste
1 teaspoon caraway seeds (optional)
1 clove of garlic, mashed (optional)
Finely chopped chives or more onion for garnish

Directions: Mash everything together in a bowl with a fork. Garnish with chives or finely grated onion.