Creative cheese ball jazzes up party spreads

Creative cheese ball jazzes up
party spreads

The holiday season is nearly upon us, and that means gift-giving, family time and…finger food!!

Luckily home cook Leah Stacey created this snack-tastic appetizer recipe for any occasion from Thanksgiving to your next tailgate. Part sweet and part savory, it’s a creative take on the cheese ball, and an addictive addition to any buffet spread.

See step-by-step photos of Leah’s recipe plus thousands more from home cooks around the country at: www.justapinch.com/cheeseball

You’ll also find a meal planner, coupons and chances to win! Enjoy and remember, use “just a pinch.”

Cranberry Orange cheese Ball

1 c dried cranberries, chopped

1/4 c frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed

16 oz cream cheese, softened to room temp

1/4 c confectioners’ sugar

Caramelized Pecans:

3/4 c pecans, coarsely chopped

1 tbsp butter

2 tbsp sugar

Crackers, for serving

Chop cranberries in a food processor or blender.

Add cream cheese, OJ and sugar. Blend in processor until all is creamed together.

Place onto sheet of wax paper and shape in a ball (the best you can). Let it chill overnight to stiffen up a bit. You can shape it better the next day when it is a little harder.

For pecans, melt butter in a pan on med heat. Add pecans and sugar and mix well stirring frequently, about 3-5 minutes. Do not let pecans burn!

Place pecans on a sheet of waxed paper spreading them out to let cool.

Right before serving, take cheese ball from fridge and press pecans all over until covered. Place cheese ball on a plate or platter and serve with crackers such as Ritz.

“[This recipe] is sweet and tart. It’s not your average cheese ball!” — Leah Stacey, Montgomery, AL (pop. 205,764)

Category: Recipes