The Great Pumpkin Cheese Ball

Happy Halloween!  No one knows for sure where carving pumpkins for Jack O'Lanterns came from, but it is believed it started in Ireland--I'm Irish, so I'll go with that assumption!  The carving of turnips, beets, and gourds into grotesque looking figures to represent spirits and goblins was a common practice in both Ireland and the Scottish highlands on this day.  Today, we go a little more crazy and  a lot more artistic than these early ones, but the thought is still there--scare off evil spirits.

My sister, Barbara, introduced me to cheese balls.  She often brought them for the "appetizer table" at Mom's at holidays or picnics.  I've made quite a few for my family since then and love changing up the ingredients to meet my mood!  It's easy to do and who doesn't like cheese.

The Great Pumpkin Cheese Ball
1-8oz. pkg. cream cheese
1-8oz. container of Boursin cheese with garlic & herbs
1 tsp. Worcheshire sauce
4-8 drops of hot sauce
Pinch of salt and pepper
1/3 cup finely chopped red bell pepper--save the stem for the "Pumpkin"

1 scallion, chopped finely
2 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese 

1 cup Cheez-it Crackers, ground finely
Assorted crackers and veggies

 In a stand mixer, using the paddle attachment, mix the cream cheese and Boursin cheese together.  Add the next 5 ingredients and mix again.  Stir in the cheeses.

Grind the Cheez-It crackers in a food processor and place on wax paper.  With clean hands, form the cheese mixture into a ball and roll into the cracker crumbs.

Once you've coated the cheese ball completely, use the back of a dinner knife to form the sections of the pumpkin.

Set the cheese ball on a platter and add the stem from the pepper to garnish.  Place assorted crackers or veggies around the platter and serve.

I've decided to have some, with a cranberry juice, but a nice glass of wine would be perfect; I just need to be awake for the Trick or Treaters that will be coming shortly.

The Vera Bradley Tote goes to Nancy C.  Please email me your address so I can get it mailed to you.

I'm sure my grands are anxious to go out.  I made Ari's costume; he wanted to be a knight, Maddie is going as a Power Ranger and Emmie a Lion.

Sir Ari with his trusty Squire!

My girls!

I hope y'all have a safe Halloween. Enjoy!