[SAJ]

Miss Magnolia, as a variation, may I suggest adding 6 oz of bacon that has been chopped into bits and cooked to done-but-not-crispy. Might want to add another 3-4 oz. of cheese when doing this.

Operating on the theory, of course, that virtually everything is tastier with bacon...except a glass of good Scotch.

;^)

[handmade]

The idea of cheese balls is one of my favorite holiday things.

Down through the years I have played with all sorts of additions to different kinds of cheese. They are fun and you can be as adventurous or not as you want. Adding a tiny bit of hot sauce, or chili powder or basil or whatever might sound interesting. Adding chopped parsley works well—or rolling the completed cheese ball in sun flower seeds works. Finely diced onion- green or otherwise goes very well in the mix. Green of course adds some pretty color.

Some things are pretty tough to ruin, and just invite trying this and that to see what you like when the cheese settles. For gifting I like to put the mix into a small, pretty dish, cover with saran or pretty cellophane wrap if available, can stick a bow on top or no, whatever you prefer.

[Fast Moving Angel]

Here's what I made last night:

Cheese Ball

2 – 8 oz. packages cream cheese, room temperature
8 oz. shredded Swiss cheese
8 oz. shredded Cheddar and/or Monterey Jack cheese
20 oz. can crushed pineapple in juice, well drained
½ green pepper, finely chopped
½ red onion, finely chopped
1 bunch green onions, cleaned, sliced and finely chopped
1 tbsp. Cajun seasoning
Dried parsley flakes
1-1/2 cups chopped pecans, divided (half in cheese mixture, half on outside)

Mix all ingredients together except for half of chopped pecans. Form into ball and freeze 15-20 minutes to allow for easier handling, if desired. Sprinkle parsley flakes all over ball and press remaining half of chopped pecans into ball. Arrange mini pretzels or crackers around ball. Garnish as desired.

Next time, I will probably either cut all this in half or just make two separate cheese balls -- this one is pretty big :-)