Monday, December 12, 2005
Have a ball at the holidays
Cheese balls are easy to put together and fun to eat, making them perfect for entertaining. And since they can be prepared ahead of time and stored wrapped in the refrigerator or freezer, they are perfect for hectic holiday celebrations.
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No one will guess this spread has pumpkin in it, but that subtle ingredient lends seasonal color and added nutrition. For even more texture, roll the ball in chopped nuts after shaping it.
Pumpkin Cheese Ball
1 8-ounce package cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup canned or cooked pumpkin
1 8-ounce can crushed pineapple, well drained
2 cups (8 ounces) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 tablespoon finely chopped onion
Crackers and/or raw vegetables
In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, pumpkin and pineapple. Stir in cheddar cheese and onion. Shape into a ball; place on a serving platter. Serve with crackers and/or vegetables. Makes about 3 cups (24 servings).
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This recipe makes an unusual cheese ball that tastes like cookie dough, making it a nice dessert treat. For best results, make this recipe with real butter.
Chocolate Chip Cheese Ball
1 8-ounce package cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup confectioners’ sugar
2 tablespoons packed brown sugar
3/4 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips
3/4 cup finely chopped pecans
Graham crackers and/or chocolate wafers
In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, butter and vanilla until fluffy. Gradually add sugars; beat just until combined. Stir in chocolate chips. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours.
Place cream cheese mixture on a large piece of plastic wrap; shape into a ball. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Just before serving, roll cheese ball in pecans. Serve with graham crackers and/or chocolate wafers. Makes about 2 cups (16 servings).
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Pantry Pointers
Turn a cheese ball into a festive holiday snowman by dividing the cheese mixture into two unequal portions. Refrigerate at least 4 hours, then roll each portion into a ball and position on a serving plate with the small ball on top to create the snowman’s head. Frost cheese ball with plain whipped cream cheese, and decorate if desired. Raisins, pimentos, bell peppers, and carrots are just a few of the food ingredients that can be used to decorate the snowman. Another option is to shape the mixture into a tree-shaped cone, cover with chopped parsley, and decorate with nuts and chopped red bell pepper for ornaments.
The Practical Pantry ©2005 Tammy P. Olson
http://www.practicalpantry.com