Mini Cheese Ball Bites

Image 28This fun finger food will fit into any occasion, be it casual or formal.  I chose to dress mine up for a Christmas canapé buffet.

Mini Cheese Ball Bites

(adapted from tastesbetterfromscratch.com)

Makes 12-15

Ingredients:

1- 8 ounce package of room temperature cream cheese
2 tblsp butter at room temperature
2 tblsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/8 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1/8 tsp hot sauce
1/8 tsp freshly ground pepper
1/4 cup grated sharp white cheddar cheese

Toppings:

Pick your favorites; I used:

1/3 cup dried cranberries
1/3 cup chopped pistachios
1/3 cup grated white cheddar
12-15 pretzel sticks

Other choices are chopped green onion, parsley, pecans, walnuts or almonds. Use your imagination!

Add first 6 ingredients to a medium mixing bowl. Use a hand mixer to beat until smooth. Stir in white cheddar.

Divide into 12-15 tablespoon sized portions. Roll into small balls. Chill at least 30 minutes. Roll balls in desired toppings. Do not add pretzel sticks until you are ready to serve.

Olive and Cheese Wreath

Olive-Cheese wreath

Most of the better supermarkets have olive bars in their deli sections these days and fresh herbs are readily available. Olives are a finger food favorite, and creating this festive holiday appetizer couldn’t be any easier. You don’t even need a real silver tray; inexpensive, silver chargers are easy to find at craft stores.

Olive and Cheese Wreath

You will need:

Assortment of olives, preferably fresh from the deli; stay away from jarred olives if you can.

Fresh mozzarella cheese, cut into cubes.

Parsley, dill or rosemary, for your wreath.

Arrange herbs into a circular wreath on your tray. Top with olives and cheese.  For an added touch, fill a pretty bowl with assorted fancy nuts and place in the center of the wreath.

Olive-Cheese wreath2