Rosalyn Carter's Plains Cheese Ring

1 pound sharp Cheddar cheese, finely grated
1 cup mayonnaise
1 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
6 twists freshly-ground black pepper
Dash of cayenne pepper
1 (12 ounce) jar strawberry preserves
Whole-grain crackers or Melba toast

Combine cheese with mayonnaise, chopped nuts and onions. Mix in black pepper and cayenne, and blend thoroughly. Press into 3-cup ring mold. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

To serve, dip mold into a pan of hot water for 15 to 20 seconds before turning out onto a serving platter. Fill center with strawberry preserves and serve at once with whole-grain crackers or Melba toast.

Serves 6 to 8.