Apple Pecan Cheeseball
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10 Minutes
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10 – 12 cheeseballs
Courtesy of U.S. Apple Export Council
Ingredients
- ½ cup (125 ml) chopped U.S. Gala or Granny Smith Apple (about ½ apple)
- ½ lemon, juiced and divided
- 8 oz (250 g) brick-style cream cheese, cubed
- 1 cup (250 ml) grated extra old Cheddar cheese
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) apple jelly or apple butter
- 1 tsp (5 ml) chopped fresh rosemary or thyme leaves
- 1 cup (250 ml) chopped toasted pecans (approx.)
- 4 to 5 additional U.S. Gala or Granny Smith apples, sliced
- Crackers or toasts
Directions
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1
Place chopped apple and ½ tsp (2 mL) lemon juice in food processor; pulse until finely chopped. Add cream cheese, Cheddar cheese, apple jelly and rosemary; pulse until uniformly combined.
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2
Scrape out onto a large piece of plastic wrap; roughly form into a ball and chill for at least 2 hours or until almost firm. Make mini cheese balls
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3
Spread pecans in a shallow bowl; roll mini cheese balls in nuts, pressing into all sides until well coated. Chill until ready to serve (or for up to 4 days).
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4
Meanwhile, combine any remaining lemon juice with water in a shallow bowl. Dip sliced apples in lemon water (to keep them from browning); pat dry and place around cheese ball along with crackers to serve.
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5
Tips:
To toast pecans, spread on a parchment paper lined baking sheet. Bake at 350°F (180°C) for 8 minutes or until fragrant. Walnuts can be used instead if preferred.
Make mini cheese balls: Once the mixture is firm enough to shape, form 1 tbsp (15 mL) portions into balls. Coat balls in pecans. Insert a pretzel stick for a ‘stem’ if desired and chill until ready to serve. Makes 22 to 24 balls.
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6
Variation:
For a sweeter version replace the apple jelly with 1 tbsp (15 mL) maple syrup and the herbs with 1 tsp (5 mL) ground cinnamon. Just before serving, drizzle cheese ball with additional maple syrup.
