Appetizer Recipes #1 - The Cheese Ball
One of my staple appetizers is the cheese ball. In most cases, you can be pretty safe thinking most people like cheese. A cheese ball is simply some cheese (usually cream cheese or a mixture of other cheeses) paired with a variety of “mix-ins.” They are rolled into a ball form, chilled, often times rolled in a coating, and served along side dippers. Dippers may include crackers, pretzels, tortilla chips, or sliced raw vegetable dippers.
I want to share one of my favorite cheese ball recipes with you:
The Garlic-Herb Cheese Ball
You will need: 12 oz. cream cheese, 1 t. dill, 1 t. basil, 1t. caraway, 1 green onion diced, and 2 cloves of garlic minced.
Instructions: Simply mix all ingredients together, roll into a ball, and refrigerate until serving. Before serving, roll in cracked black pepper and serve with crackers.
This cheese ball has been a staple in my family’s cookbook for as long as I can remember. It is strong, aromatic, and a nice robust snack. I have also served it will vegetables, especially cucumbers, for a healthier snack.
If you aren’t ready to create one of your own, cheese balls are readily available in most deli sections of grocery stores. I have found some good ones, including a cheddar ball with port wine (which gives it a pink color). It would be a great presentation to have 2-3 various cheese balls lined on a tray with a plate of dippers on the side.
