Mexican Style Pinecone Cheese Ball Food

PINECONE CHEESE BALL

Steps:

• Mix cream cheese, shredded cheese, and Dijon mustard in a blender or food processor until well blended.
• Stir in green chilies.
• Place in freezer for 20 minutes so that it is easier to handle and shape.
• Remove from freezer and place on wax paper.
• Shape into what resembles a pinecone.
• Stick the almonds into the cheese ball in rows that completely cover the cheese ball.
• Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
• Let the cheese ball stand at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving.
• Serve with crackers.

PINE CONE CHEESE BALL

Steps:

• Stir cream cheese, goat cheese, parsley, tarragon, thyme, garlic, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper together in a bowl until smooth and well-mixed.
• Turn cheese mixture out onto a serving platter and form into a tapered oval shape to resemble a pine cone.
• Starting at the tapered end, press almonds into the cheese cone so that the tip of the almond is facing out and down, and cheese cone is completely covered with almonds and resembles a pine cone. Place rosemary sprigs at the top to resemble pine needles.

MEXICAN CHEESE BALL

Steps:

• NOTE: Toasting the pecans is reflected in the PREP time.
• Toast the pecans at 275 degrees for 20-30 min - do not burn. Stir together nuts with butter and salt and set aside to cool.
• In a food processor, blend remaining ingredients until thoroughly combined. Shape into a ball and roll in the cooled pecans.
• Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 2 hours. Serve with the tortilla or corn chips.

PINECONE CHEESE SPREAD

Steps:

• Process first 3 ingredients in food processor until blended. Stir in chiles.
• Shape into 4-inch oval on sheet of waxed paper to resemble pinecone. Insert nuts in rows to completely cover cream cheese mixture. Transfer to serving plate.
• Refrigerate 2 hours. Let stand at room temperature 15 min. before serving to soften slightly.

MEXICAN CHEESE BALL

Steps:

• In a food processor, add the cream cheese, shredded cheese, diced green chilies, taco seasoning, green onions, and lime juice. Pulse well until ingredients are completely combined.
• Line a bowl with plastic wrap. Spoon the mixture on top of the plastic wrap and wrap completely forming a ball.
• Chill in the fridge (or the freezer for faster chilling) for at least an hour until ball is firm.
• In a food processor, crush chips until fine.
• Unroll ball from plastic wrap and roll in the crushed chips. Cut slices with a knife and serve with chips and bell peppers.

MEXICAN-STYLE PARTY CHEESE BALL

Steps:

• Beat cream cheese and shredded cheeses in medium bowl with mixer until blended.
• Add all remaining ingredients except cracker crumbs; mix well. Shape into ball.
• Refrigerate 1 hour.
• Roll in crumbs. Serve with additional round buttery crackers.

CLASSIC PINECONE FIVE-CHEESE CHEESE BALL

Steps:

• Process first 3 ingredients in food processor until blended. Stir in chiles and pepper sauce.
• Shape into 4-inch oval on sheet of waxed paper to resemble pinecone. Insert nuts in rows to completely cover cream cheese mixture. Transfer to serving plate.
• Refrigerate 2 hours.

MEXICAN-STYLE PINECONE CHEESE BALL

Steps:

• Process first 3 ingredients in food processor until blended. Stir in chiles and pepper.
• Shape into 4-inch oval on sheet of waxed paper to resemble pinecone. Insert nuts in rows to completely cover cream cheese mixture. Transfer to serving plate.
• Refrigerate 2 hours.