Cheese Ball Appetizers

SPICY HOLIDAY CHEESE BALL(S)

1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese
1 (4-ounce) package blue cheese
2 tablespoons TABASCO® brand Green Jalapeño Pepper Sauce
1 large clove garlic, minced
1 pound sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts or pecans
1/2 cup finely chopped parsley

Combine cream cheese, blue cheese, TABASCO® Green Jalapeño Pepper Sauce and garlic in a food processor and process until well blended. Add cheddar cheese and process until cheese is blended. Shape mixture into two balls and wrap in waxed paper. Chill until firm.

Combine walnuts and parsley and coat cheese balls with mixture. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill. Serve with crackers or apple slices.

WHAT I WILL DO:
Roll into small balls and roll in walnut/parsley mixture. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. Put a pretzel stick in the center each ball just before serving (instead of toothpicks). Easier to eat and no crackers needed.


RECIPE FOR JALAPENO CHEESE BALLS

1/2 pound mild cheddar cheese, grated
1 ( 8 oz.) cream cheese at room temp
1/2 cup sliced olives (optional)
2 large pickled jalapenos, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic finely minced
3 tablespoons juice from jalapeno jar
1 cup chopped pecans

METHOD

In medium size bowl, combine both cheeses, olives, jalpenos, garlic and jalapeno juice. Mix into a ball.

Roll ball mixture in chopped pecans.Serve with crackers or crusty French bread.

Serves: 6 - 8 as side dish