Christmas is over, but we have another holiday fast approaching. New Year’s is just a few days away. While it is not a holiday that requires tons of planning and preparation like Christmas, many people enjoy ringing in the New Year with friends and family. And that means food preparation. We are partial to small gatherings with friends for the celebration. We try to keep it simple and light by serving appetizers and cocktails to ring in the New Year.
I can’t think of a thing simpler than a cheese ball for a homemade appetizer. They go together pretty quickly, are made with just a few simple ingredients, and taste delicious. They are versatile and decadent. I am a big fan of cheese balls and I always gravitate to them when they are served. For the seafood lovers in the crowd, I recommend a Salmon Ball. Eric’s uncle always made this for family gatherings. If an herbed spread is preferred, nothing is better than a homemade Boursin Cheese spread to serve guests. But if something a bit different is what is needed for the occasion, I like to go with this Feta & Red Pepper Cheese Ball. Throw all the ingredients together, chill it for a few hours, then roll it in herbs to finish it off just before serving! Easy & delicious!
Feta & Red Pepper Cheese Ball
Feta & Red Pepper Cheese Ball (adapted from kraftrecipes.com)
Time required: 15 minutes + chilling time
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 8 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped, fresh red pepper
- 1 scallion, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Directions:
Mix the cream cheese and the feta cheese together with an electric stand mixer until they are blended. Add the pecans, red pepper, and the scallion, mixing well. Refrigerate the mixture for at least several hours, until well chilled.
Coat the cheese ball in the parsley.
Shape the mixture into a ball, then roll it in the parsley, until it is evenly coated. Serve the cheese ball with crackers.
Serve with your favorite crackers.
Wishing you a happy & healthy 2017! ~Linda
Feta & Red Pepper Cheese Ball (adapted from kraftrecipes.com)
Time required: 15 minutes + chilling time
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 8 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped, fresh red pepper
- 1 scallion, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Directions:
Mix the cream cheese and the feta cheese together with an electric stand mixer until they are blended. Add the pecans, red pepper, and the scallion, mixing well. Refrigerate the mixture for at least several hours, until well chilled.
Shape the mixture into a ball, then roll it in the parsley, until it is evenly coated. Serve the cheese ball with crackers.