Smoky Pecan Cheese Ball
Any appetizer spread, even this one of conventional cheese ball ingredients smashed into a spread, becomes much more glamorous when paired with all things pale green—celery sticks, thin green apple wedges, or Belgian endive. Don’t underestimate the allure of a generous pile of green grapes, either.
Recipe information
Yield
makes about 2 cups
Ingredients
8 ounces sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded (2 cups)
1/2 cup pecans, toasted
1/3 to 1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 teaspoon bottled smoke
1 heaping teaspoon Dijon mustard
Dash of Worcestershire sauce
Dash of hot pepper sauce
Black pepper
Smoked paprika
Preparation
Step 1
COMBINE the cheese, pecans, mayonnaise, bottled smoke, and mustard in a medium bowl. Blend well with a fork, adding more mayonnaise if you want a softer, more moist consistency.
Step 2
ADD the Worcestershire sauce, hot pepper sauce, and pepper to taste and mix well. Sprinkle with paprika. Pile the cheese into a crock and serve with crackers or vegetables and fruit (see head-note).
