Delores’ Festive Cheese Ball

This elegant and easy to make appetizer will be a big hit with your family and friends. The fusion of the various cheeses with herbs, onions, olives, yogurt and crushed nuts is simply delicious & perfect for this holiday season !


Shot 1:

This will make 2 medium size cheese balls or 1 large.
Ingredients:
229 g pkg of herbal cream cheese ( can be found at any deli counter )
170 g pkg camembert cheese

120 g shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1/4 C yogurt or sour cream

1 large green onion chopped

10 olives stuffed with pimento paste chopped

1/2 Tbsp. chopped or dried parsley

3/4 C mixed chopped walnuts and pecans finely chopped

1 tsp. chopped or dried parsley

*** optional : 1/4 bacon bits ( preferably home made

Let the herbal cream cheese and camembert cheese soften on the counter. ( about an hour, should be soft to the touch )

Shot 2:

Once cheese has softened, add the yogurt and blend together with mixer on low speed. Add the 1/2 Tbsp. parsley, chopped olives, onions, and bacon bits (if using) Blend again with mixer on low speed.

Do not over mix. Cover bowl with saran wrap and refrigerate for 30 – 40 minutes to firm up mixture so its easier to shape.

Shot 3:

On bakers paper, mix together the finely chopped nuts and 1 tsp. of parsley.

Remove the cheese mixture from the refrigerator.

Shot 4:

With a large spoon, scoop out half the cheese mixture and with your hands form into a sphere shape.

Roll the cheese ball in the nut/parsley mix.

Refrigerate for at least 3 hours before serving. Can be made 1 – 2 days in advance.

Shot 5:

Place your cheese ball on a serving platter with crackers & a few red & green grapes.

Serve with a side of tomato salsa, green pepper jelly or both.

Enjoy !!