Monthly Archives: December 2013

Cheese Balls

 

Make all three flavored cheese balls or prepare just one or two, adjusting the ingredients accordingly.

SERVINGS:10

INGREDIENTS

BASE RECIPE

 

  • 1/2           cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, softened 
  • 3               packages cream cheese (8 ounces each) 
  • 2               tbsp fresh lemon juice 
  • 1               tsp Worcestershire sauce 
  • 5               dashes hot sauce (such as Tabasco) 
  • 1/4            tsp coarse salt 
  • 1/2            tsp freshly ground white pepper

CHEDDAR AND CRANBERRY:

Cheddar and Cranberry

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • 4                oz sharp orange cheddar cheese, finely shredded 
  • 1                tbsp store-bought chutney 
  • 3/4             cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
  •                   Water crackers, for serving 

ROQUEFORT AND WALNUT

 

  • 6                 ounces Roquefort cheese 
  • 1                 shallot, minced (about 1 tablespoon) 
  • 2                 teaspoons brandy (optional) 
  • 1                 cup toasted walnuts, coarsely chopped 
  •                    Vegetable chips (such as Terra Chips Sweets & Beets), for serrving 

GOAT CHEESE AND SCALLIONS: 

Goat Cheese and Scallions

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  • 8                  ounces goat cheese 
  • 2                  tablespoons finely chopped scallions 
  • 1/3               cup fresh curly-leaf parsley, finely chopped 
  • 1                  English cucumber, cut into 1/8-inch-thick slices, for serving.

DIRECTIONS

STEP 1

Put butter, cream cheese, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, salt, and pepper into the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment; mix on medium speed until combined. 

Divide equally among 3 medium bowls. 

STEP 2

  1. Stir cheddar cheese and chutney with base mixture in the first bowl. 
  2. Form into a ball. 
  3. Roll cheese ball in cranberries to coat before serving. 
  4. Serve with crackers. 

STEP 3 

  1. Stir blue cheese and shallot with base mixture in second bowl; add brandy, if desired. 
  2. Form into a ball. If not using immediately, refrigerate up to 3 days; freeze up to 1 month. 
  3. Roll in walnuts to coat before serving. 
  4. Serve with chips. 

STEP 4 

  1. Stir goat cheese and scallions with base mixture in remaining bowl. 
  2. Form into a ball. 
  3. Roll in parsley to coat before serving. 
  4. Serve with cucumber slices.

 

If not using immediately, refrigerate up to 3 days; freeze up to 1 month.