Author Notes: Harking back to one of our family’s favorite holiday treats from the 80’s, here’s an updated version of a classic pineapple-walnut cheese ball. I’m not sure where my mom got the original recipe, so I can’t credit the source. It’s handwritten on an index card, though, so likely from one of her lovely Card Club gal pals. —Magpye
Makes: 1 ball
Ingredients
-
2 – 8oz
packets Cream Cheese
-
1/4
cup Minced Shallots
-
1/4
cup Minced Red Bell Pepper
-
14
ounces Can of Lychee Fruit, drained and minced
-
2
teaspoons Lemon Juice
-
2
teaspoons Worchester Sauce
-
1/2
teaspoon Salt
-
1/4
tablespoon Black Pepper
-
3
ounces Coarsely Chopped Walnuts
Directions
- Either by hand, or in a food processor, coarsely chop the walnuts and set aside.
- Either by hand, or in a food processor, mince (being carful not to pulverize or juice!) the shallot, bell pepper and lychees.
- Either by hand, in a food processor or mixer, beat the cream cheese to soften.
- Mix the cream cheese, shallots, lychees, bell pepper, and remaining ingredients except walnuts together just until well blended.
- Lay a piece of cling film (about 12×12 inches) on your work surface, and pour 1/4 of the walnuts into a mound.
- Form the cheese mixture into a ball (use your hands, it’s ok!) and place it on the mound of walnuts. Sprinkle remaining walnuts on the top and sides of the ball, using the cling film to help cover the entire ball evenly.
- Plate and serve with your choice of mild crackers.
