I needed to make a quick and easy snack for a weeknight because I was having some girls over for a clothing exchange party.  I was already making hummus, deep fried ravioli and fudge brownies and decided that I was missing cheese.  Instead of doing the standard cheese platter, I thought I’d try making a cheese ball, because I already had most of the ingredients that I needed.  It’s a nice, flavourful cheese spread.

Cheese Ball Recipe

1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened at room temperature

1/4 cup sour cream

1 cup finely grated cheddar or mozzarella cheese or a combination of both

1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese (I use a coarse Microplane grater)

1 teaspoon lemon juice

1 teaspoon dried parsley flakes (optional)

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

1/2 cup toasted pecans or walnuts, chopped coarsely

Place all of the ingredients, except for the pecans and dried parsley if using, into the bowl of a stand mixer (or use a hand held electric mixer).  Beat until well combined.  Scrape down the sides of the bowl as necessary.  Add the dried parsley, if using, and just combine.  Then scoop the cheese mixture onto a large piece of plastic wrap.  Wrap up the cheese and shape into a ball.  Refrigerate until chilled through.  Prior to serving, let the cheese ball sit at room temperature for a few minutes.  Then roll the cheese ball in the chopped nuts and serve with an assortment of crackers.