This Is The Cheeseball, Y'all
I never assembled a cheeseball until Christmas of 1999. That's because, until 1999, I had never tasted a cheeseball that appealed to me. Contributory was the fact that, when I was growing up, we never had anything remotely like cheeseball and crackers on our holiday table. But when I tasted this recipe nearly a decade ago, at an office party, I made it a point to seek out the lady who had brought it and ply her for the secret of this wonderful appetizer. I kiddingly offered to pay her for it (I still have a copy of our email exchange on the subject, with the precious recipe attached). She responded that I was "far too kind" and immediately complied with my request.
So thanks once again to my friend Holly Baker, who on that happy and festive day graciously shared with me her family's cherished cheeseball recipe. Now for our family at Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's, it's just not holiday time without this treat. Plus my banana-nut bread.
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2 8-ounce packages Philadelphia Cream Cheese, softened
10 ounces shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese
2 Tablespoons chopped pimento
2 Tablespoons chopped onion
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1 dash salt
1 dash Tabasco sauce
Finely chopped pecans (enough to coat two cheeseballs)
I use 6-7 dashes of Tabasco ... yum!
Thoroughly mix all ingredients except pecans and shape into two balls of equal size. Roll cheeseballs in chopped pecans to coat. Wrap in foil or saran and chill thoroughly. Serve with cracker assortment.
TIPS:
I use more than 10 ounces of sharp cheddar ... more like 12 to 16 ounces. Also, shred the cheese from a block. Best not to use pre-shredded.
I don't measure the pimento or onion too precisely ... more is better.
I use 6-7 dashes of Tabasco ... yum!
When you serve this or take it to a party, make sure to have a few copies of the recipe handy! People will ask you for it and you want to be cooperative.
Reader Comments (2)
The only cheese ball I love is my salmon cheese ball. Your's must be great if you say to take the recipe along.
Have a great Thanksgiving.
Cheryl, try mine just once and you won't be sorry! I'm sure your recipe is great, though. You have a wonderful Thanksgiving as well.