Mini Cheese Balls
From Canadian Living Magazine, December 2013
Bacon and Onion Cheese Balls
Easy to make one-bite appetizers are the epitome of savoury goodness. Prepare them ahead of time and they’ll sit conveniently in the refrigerator until guests arrive. The coating of nuts over the creamy cheese will keep your guests’ hands clean as they mingle
5 slices sodium-reduced bacon
1/2 cup roasted natural (skin on) whole almonds
1 pig. (300 g) soft goat cheese
2 green onions, finely chopped1 clove garlic, finely minced
1/2 tsp pepper
In skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp, about 5 minutes. Drain on paper towel-lined plate. Chop into 1/3 inch (5mm) pieces.
Meanwhile, in food processor, pulse almonds until coarsely ground, set aside in small bowl.
In large bowl, combine bacon, goat cheese, green onions, garlic and pepper. Roll by scant 1 tbsp into balls. Roll in almonds, pressing to adhere. (Make ahead: Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.)
Basil and Lemon Cheese Balls
Omit bacon and garlic. Add 1 1/2 tsp grated lemon zest and 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil. (The photo shows these served without almond crust.)
Cranberry and Pistachio Cheese Balls
Omit bacon, green onions and garlic. Add 1/3 cup dried cranberries, finely chopped. Substitute shelled unsalted pistachios for almonds.
From Canadian Living Magazine, December 2013
Bacon and Onion Cheese Balls
Easy to make one-bite appetizers are the epitome of savoury goodness. Prepare them ahead of time and they’ll sit conveniently in the refrigerator until guests arrive. The coating of nuts over the creamy cheese will keep your guests’ hands clean as they mingle
5 slices sodium-reduced bacon
1/2 cup roasted natural (skin on) whole almonds
1 pig. (300 g) soft goat cheese
2 green onions, finely chopped1 clove garlic, finely minced
1/2 tsp pepper
In skillet, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp, about 5 minutes. Drain on paper towel-lined plate. Chop into 1/3 inch (5mm) pieces.
Meanwhile, in food processor, pulse almonds until coarsely ground, set aside in small bowl.
In large bowl, combine bacon, goat cheese, green onions, garlic and pepper. Roll by scant 1 tbsp into balls. Roll in almonds, pressing to adhere. (Make ahead: Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours.)
Basil and Lemon Cheese Balls
Omit bacon and garlic. Add 1 1/2 tsp grated lemon zest and 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil. (The photo shows these served without almond crust.)
Cranberry and Pistachio Cheese Balls
Omit bacon, green onions and garlic. Add 1/3 cup dried cranberries, finely chopped. Substitute shelled unsalted pistachios for almonds.