Recipe to share

I honestly can't remember how long ago I came up with this. 

But is has created a following like nothing else I make.

{ok, maybe Carrot Cake wins over, not sure.}

It went like this...

me : "I think I'll make a cheeseball for Thanksgiving, sounds good."

my chef : "oh, really?...ok." with a sincere nose curl & grimace."

me : "no, not like those Port-o-cheddar things you see in the grocery store! This will be good...."

and so I tinkered. 

I've changed a few things since the first round of cheeseball 

and to me it is a seasonal thing. 

Thanksgiving & Christmas

but I've been given grief on that {Tiffany tried to get me to make it for the lake. Not a summer food to me.}

Here goes:

2 8oz. cream cheese, softened. Important to let these soften on the counter, otherwise it won't mix well!

1/2 C of cranberry chutney (I've gotten this in the past from Trader Joes, they didn't bring it in despite my round of calls begging. SO. It can be substituted with other chutney + cranberries

1/2 C grated sharp cheddar cheese

1/2 C grated gruyere cheese

1 clove garlic minced

1/4 C chopped green onion {green & white parts}

salt & pepper {just a bit}

Then, 1 1/2 cups chopped nuts. This can be a preference. I like almonds & pecans best but I've used walnuts too. No peanuts or cashews here...

Add all 7 ingredients in a bowl. Do not do in food processor, the green onions get stringy, yuck. I like to make it the day before to let the flavors meld, everyone agrees its better but if your late, oh well. Then with your best kitchen utensils, your hands- mold it in a ball.

Before serving roll it in your chopped nuts. 

Serve with crackers & sliced fuji apples {apples are my favorite!}

This recipe has been tried & tested all over. I can guarantee yummy-ness. 

somehow I've never taken a picture of it done

{I will this year!}

but here is it in the midst 

And just a note to finish the story, one bite & he was smitten.