Ingredients with Measurements:
- 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
- 4 oz. Bleu Bénédictin cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1/4 tsp. garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp. black pepper
- 1/4 tsp. salt
Special equipment needed:
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer
- Plastic wrap
- Baking sheet
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, crumbled Bleu Bénédictin cheese, chopped walnuts, chopped parsley, chopped green onions, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt.
2. Mix all the ingredients together using an electric mixer until well combined.
3. Place a large piece of plastic wrap on a flat surface and spoon the cheese mixture onto the center of the plastic wrap.
4. Use the plastic wrap to shape the cheese mixture into a ball.
5. Wrap the cheese ball tightly with the plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
6. When ready to serve, remove the cheese ball from the refrigerator and unwrap it.
7. Place the cheese ball on a serving plate and garnish with additional chopped walnuts, parsley, and green onions.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Chilling time: 2 hours or overnight
5. Temperature:
Refrigerate at 40°F or below.
Serving size:
This recipe makes 1 cheese ball, serving size varies.
Nutritional information:
Calories: 120
Fat: 11g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 35mg
Sodium: 220mg
Carbohydrates: 2g
Protein: 4g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Cream cheese can be substituted with Neufchâtel cheese or Greek yogurt.
- Bleu Bénédictin cheese can be substituted with any other blue cheese.
- Walnuts can be substituted with pecans or almonds.
- Parsley and green onions can be substituted with chives or dill.
Variations:
- Add chopped dried cranberries or apricots for a sweet and savory twist.
- Roll the cheese ball in additional chopped nuts or herbs for added flavor and texture.
- Serve the cheese ball with crackers, sliced baguette, or fresh vegetables.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened before mixing to ensure a smooth and creamy texture.
- Use a rubber spatula to scrape down the sides of the mixing bowl to ensure all ingredients are well combined.
- For a stronger bleu cheese flavor, add more crumbled Bleu Bénédictin cheese.
Storage instructions:
Store the cheese ball in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Reheating instructions:
This recipe does not require reheating.
Presentation ideas:
Serve the cheese ball on a decorative platter or cheese board with additional crackers, sliced baguette, and fresh vegetables.
Garnishes:
Garnish the cheese ball with additional chopped walnuts, parsley, and green onions.
Pairings:
Pair the Bleu Bénédictin cheese ball with a full-bodied red wine, such as a Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot.
Suggested side dishes:
Serve the cheese ball with a side of fresh fruit or a mixed green salad.
Troubleshooting advice:
If the cheese ball is too soft, refrigerate it for an additional 30 minutes to firm up before serving.
Food safety advice:
Make sure to refrigerate the cheese ball at 40°F or below to prevent bacterial growth.
Food history:
Bleu Bénédictin cheese is a Canadian blue cheese that is made from cow's milk and aged for at least 60 days.
Flavor profiles:
The Bleu Bénédictin cheese ball has a creamy and tangy flavor from the cream cheese and blue cheese, with a crunchy texture from the chopped walnuts.
Serving suggestions:
Serve the Bleu Bénédictin cheese ball as an appetizer at a party or gathering.
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