Date and Blue Cheese Ball

Date and Blue Cheese Ball

Origin - Epicurious

 

Ingredients:

 

8 oz low-fat cream cheese (bar style), at room temperature

1 cup crumbled blue cheese, at room temperature

1 tbsp reduced-fat buttermilk

 3 tbsp minced Medjool dates (5 - 6 pitted dates)

1 tbsp minced shallots

 1 tsp grated lemon zest

1/4 tsp kosher or sea salt

 1/4 tsp freshly ground pepper

 2 tbsp minced fresh flat-leaf parsley

 2 1/2 tbsp finely chopped toasted walnuts

 

Method:

 

1. In a stand up mixer, beat together the cream cheese, blue cheese and buttermilk on medium speed until smooth and creamy (2 mins). Add the dates, shallots, lemon zest, salt and pepper and beat until well combined.

 

2. Transfer the cheese mixture to a large sheet of plastic wrap and form it into a ball. Wrap the ball in the wrap and refrigerate until well chilled, at least 2 hours or overnight.

 

3.  In a shallow bowl or plate, mix together the parsley and walnuts. Remove the cheese ball from the refrigerator. With the wrap/film still on, shape into a well-formed ball. Unwrap the cheese mixture and roll it gently in the nut mixture until all sides are well covered.

 

Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

 

Pair with crostini, baguettes, rye toasts, veggie sticks or your favorite dipper.