Thursday, October 31, 2013

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!

13 comments:

  1. Congrats to your winner!

    Oh my, I love cheese balls and this one looks cool. It would work for Thanksgiving, too.

    Your grands look so cute! Mine arrived looking like Racecar drivers.

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  2. So clever! I've done these as apples and pears, but never a pumpkin! So cool!

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  3. Oh, my...You had me at the Boursin, but then, then the Cheez-Its! I'll be right over with cocktail in hand! :) Enjoy the trick or treaters! Lv, me

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  4. Who doesn't love some cheese ball! Great recipe!

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  5. The grands look adorable Susan! Great job on the knight costume. I haven't made a cheese ball in years--yours sounds and looks delish! Just right for fall get togethers. ♥

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  6. The kids are adorable! Love the pumpkin cheese ball, Sis----I was never this clever with the ones I made!

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  7. what a fabulous cheese ball!!!!!
    the kids look fabulous, too!
    stamping sue
    http://stampingsueinconnecticut.blogspot.com/

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  8. Darling cheeseball I think I'll do that for Thanksgiving! Sweet grandma, costum is darling!

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  9. Adorable little trick-or-treaters, and the cheese ball looks magnificent! Yum!

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  10. This sounds like a wonderful cheese ball–especially with the Boursin cheese in it! And thank you so much again for the beautiful tote! :)

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