Bite-Size Party Cheese Balls

Bite-Size Party Cheese Balls

Makes 5 dozen marble-size balls. Recipe is from chef Philip Plaisance, of Ox Bow Restaurant in St. Francisville. He presents these like grape clusters on a large platter with fresh grape ivy for garnish. This is a favorite for blue cheese lovers.

1 lb. sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

4 ozs. blue cheese crumbles

8 ozs. cream cheese, room temperature

2 tsps. Worcestershire sauce

¼ cup onion, minced very fine

Pinch of salt and red pepper

1 bunch parsley, minced fine

1½ cups toasted pecans, chopped very fine

1. Have the 3 cheeses at room temperature. Place cheeses in mixing bowl of mixer outfitted with paddle. Blend well.

2. Add Worcestershire sauce, onion, salt and pepper.

3. Form into small (marble-size) balls. Place in refrigerator while you prepare pecan mixture.

4. Combine chopped parsley and chopped pecans in a flat dish. Roll cheese balls into the parsley-pecan topping, lightly pressing the mixture into the balls. Place on platter, cover and chill.

Note: It’s nice to present like grape clusters on a large platter with fresh grape ivy for garnish.