BU ILD A B E T T E R
Cheese Ball
To revam p this party classic, blend different
cheeses, get fresh with herbs, and stir in flavor.
BY P E G S M IT H P H O T O A N D Y L Y O N S F O O D STYLIN G J IL L L U S T
CH EESE
For a complex flavor,
blend goat cheese and
cream cheese. Or mix
shredded Cheddars
—mild, sharp, and
white—
w ith cream
cheese. S o the cheese
ball will firm up
when
chilled, add '/2 cu p
butter fo r each l V2
to 2 pounds of
shredded cheese.
TEST KITCHEN TIP
Let butter and
cheese stand at
room temperature
30 minutes. Whip
together with an
electric mixer. The
mixture will cream
easily and have a
lighter texture.
HEARTY RYE
BREAD
Spread cheese on
thin slices of soft
toad rather than
...
breakable crackers.
HORSERADISH OR
BROWN MUSTARD
Either one gives a
touch of spice and
texture. Stir in a more
intense flavor with a
bit of horseradish.
For a milder bite and
trace of sweetness,
add brown mustard.
FRESH GARLIC
A hint of this much-
loved ingredient goes
a long way. Mince or
crush one clove of
garlic per pound of
cheese and
thoroughly stir into
the blended mixture.
NUTS
Toast chopped
pecans or walnuts
for the best crunch
and flavor. Then, for
this up-to-date version,
stir the nuts into the
cheese mixture rather
than just coating the
outside with them.
FRESH HERBS
Pat on or roll the ball
1
in a combination of
"chopped fresh
parsley, oregano, basil,
thymeAand/or chives.
LEMON PEEL
For color and*est,
lightly press on strips
of fresh lemon, line,
or orange peel.
212
NOVEMBER
200
S
BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS
