Holiday Cheese Ball

Cheese balls for Holiday entertaining are easy to make and versatile to use. The same recipe can be made into a ball, log,  Christmas shape such as a tree or candy cane or put into a pretty dish and used as a spread. If making them into a ball or log, roll in chopped nuts, or chopped parsley or a combination of both. The one I made today, I will roll in chopped pecans as that is our preference. If rolling into a shape you will need to chill it a hour or so as it needs to set up a little. If you waited too long, just leave it set out for a few minutes. 
We vary the original recipe as I add dry sherry and olives instead of green peppers.

The peppers seem to not set as well with older stomachs. Also since I am making it, I cut back on the worcestershire sauce using the sherry as a replacement.

Cheese Ball 

yield: 3/4 pound ball

1 (8 ounce package cream cheese (softened) The fat free does not work as well

4 ounces grated cheddar cheese (let set for 10 minutes after grating) *

1/2 to 1 Tablespoon finely diced pimiento stuffed green olives

1/4 teaspoon onion powder or 1/2 tablespoon finely chopped onion

1/2 teaspoon lemon juice **

1/2 teaspoon worcestershire sauce (if not using the sherry increase to 1 teaspoon)

1 teaspoon dry sherry (optional)

Dash cayenne pepper

Pecans finely chopped

Cream cheeses together until well blended. Add other ingredients except pecans; mix well. Put on a piece of waxed paper and form into as good a ball shape as you can. Chill for a hour or so and it will roll better. Now roll in the chopped pecans using your hands if necessary to make them stick. Put on a pretty plate and cover with plastic wrap and return to the refrigerator until ready to serve. Take out about 10 minutes before hand to soften a little. Serve with a nice selection of crackers.

* Grate your own. It is cheaper per ounce and the flavor is so much better. Simple box graters work the best and can be bought at most grocery stores.

**This is where that frozen lemon juice you have saved comes in so handy.