bring on the holiday party foods

It's November!   How did this happen?   This year has been long and so different.  However, I swear I feel like we blinked and we are approaching the holidays.

Although the holidays may be a little different this year as it relates  to your typical parties, family gatherings, etc.  But let's face it ....................we all have to eat!   You can still have some great party snacks, desserts, appetizers, etc. for your close circle group.

I made three different different cheese balls for my segment on THV 11 The Vine.   They turned out so delicious.  I differently will be serving these for the office potluck this year.  Easy to make, you can make ahead, and delicious!   

We have a traditional Cheddar Cheese Almond Ball
Holiday Party Ball -  Cream Cheese, Parmesan, Pineapple, Cranberry, Almonds, & Cashews
Pineapple Cream Cheese, Parmesan & Almonds

Watch the live SEGMENT - CLICK HERE


Cheddar Cheese Almond Ball

Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup salted toasted almonds , chopped
• 2 (8 oz) package cream cheese
• 3/4 cup Sharp Cheddar cheese 
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese , finely grated
• 1 Tbsp ranch dressing mix
• 1/4 tsp onion powder
• 1 Teaspoon of Lowry's Garlic Pepper

Directions:

Place almonds on a large plate or cutting board, set aside. Combine remaining ingredients in large mixing bowl. Blend well with a fork. Form mixture into a ball and roll ball over almonds coating all sides. Wrap in Plastic Wrap & Chill in refrigerator overnight. Serve with crackers, chips, or whatever you like.



Holiday Party Ball

• 3/4 cup salted toasted almonds, dried cranberries from the Salad Topper Section 
• 2 8oz packages of cream cheese
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese , finely grated
• 1/2 can of drained crushed pineapple --- about 4 oz - DRAIN VERY WELL
• 1 Teaspoon of Lowry's Garlic Pepper

Combine ingredients minus the nuts/cranberries in a large bowl.  Blend well with a fork. Form mixture into a ball and wrap in Plastic Wrap.  Chill in refrigerator overnight.  Top with Almonds, Cranberries & Cashews if you have them.  Serve with crackers, chips, or whatever you like.


Pineapple Cream Cheese & Parmesan Almond Ball

• 2 8oz packages of cream cheese
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese , finely grated
• 1/2 can of drained crushed pineapple --- about 4 oz - DRAIN VERY WELL
• 1 Teaspoon of Lowry's Garlic Pepper
• 1 Tablespoon of Ranch Seasoning Mix (optional)

​Place almonds on a large plate or cutting board, set aside. Combine remaining ingredients in large mixing bowl. Blend well with a fork. Form mixture into a ball and roll ball over almonds coating all sides. Wrap in Plastic Wrap & Chill in refrigerator overnight. Serve with crackers, chips, or whatever you like.



These should give you some ideas of how to top your standard cheese balls and make them festive.  I love the Pomegranate flavored cashews.  The cashews along with the almonds & dried cranberries make for a  beautiful festive appetizer.

Let the parties begin!

You can watch the live video for the Segment by clicking here

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