Smile And Say "Cheese"

(Published on iSurf News on April 14, 2011)


I've always wondered why I can only buy egg nog and boiled custard during the holidays.

Maybe we are just not allowed to drink it at anytime except between the months of November and January. Another “holiday dish” that doesn't get much attention at any other time of the year is the cheese ball. With the exception of a bridal or wedding shower, it's rare to find a cheese ball on a lovely platter, surrounded by an assortment of crackers at any other time, but each year, April 17 is set aside to bring awareness to this wonderful snack.


SWEET CHEESE BALL RECIPE

●2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
●1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
●2/3 cup flaked coconut
●8 maraschino cherries, finely chopped
●3/4 cup finely chopped pecans
●Assorted fresh fruit

In a small bowl, beat cream cheese and confectioners' sugar until smooth. Beat in the coconut and cherries. Shape into a ball; roll in pecans. Cover and refrigerate until serving. Serve with a sweet cracker or fruit slices.

Try some of these cheese ball recipes or venture out to create your own flavorful masterpiece.

There are so many different ways to make a cheese ball; you can customize it to your taste or the taste of the crowd that will be enjoying it. Start with the foundation ingredient, cream cheese, and then you can add other cheeses such as cheddar, Colby or Monterey Jack. Add in some shredded meats, spices/herbs, fruits or sauces to create whatever flavor you desire. After combining all the ingredients, chill enough that you can form into a ball (or try a log shape) and then roll into the topping such as nuts, bacon bits or dried fruits. The combinations are endless. Serve your cheese ball on a platter surrounded by different types of crackers or fruit slices.


CHOCOLATE CHIP CHEESE BALL

●1 8 oz package of cream cheese, softened
●1/2 cup butter, softened
●1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
●2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
●2 tablespoons firmly packed brown sugar
●1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
●1 cup mini marshmallows
●3/4 cup semisweet chocolate morsels
●1 cup finely chopped toasted walnuts
●Chocolate and honey flavored graham crackers and fruit

In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese and butter. Beat at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy. Add the confectioners' sugar, cocoa, brown sugar, and vanilla. Beat until well combined. Add the marshmallows and chocolate morsels. Stir to combine well. Cover and chill for 2 hours. Form the mixture into a ball, and then roll it in walnuts. Arrange the cheese ball on a serving platter and serve with graham crackers and fruit.


TACO CHEESE BALL

●2 packages of cream cheese
●1 can tomatoes, drained
●3 tsp taco seasoning
●1 package Fiesta grated cheese
●Ritz crackers

Combine the first three ingredients (a potatoe masher works well for this). Make sure that the tomatoes are drained well, until no liquid drips from the can. Form into a ball and roll into grated cheese until covered. Chill overnight. Serve with crackers.
 
NEXT WEEK—Recipes you won't want to Passover!

Remember......Life is short. Eat Dessert first!!