Green Chile Cheese Ball

Source: CookingVillage.com

Simple and it takes only 15 minutes to make. I'm going to use reconstituted dried green chile for the additional smoky flavor...be sure to check out the source, Cookingvillage.com, for more recipes, and if you want recipes delivered to your email inbox, join them. They really are a great source for recipes.

Ingredients
12 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, cubed
6 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1/4 cup canned chopped green chiles
2 teaspoons bourbon (optional)
1/2 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
1/4 teaspoon salt
6 tablespoons chopped walnuts or pecans
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley

Prep Time: 15 minutes, plus chilling
Cooking Time: None
Serves 12



Directions
1. In a food processor, mix the cheese, butter, chiles, bourbon, pepper sauce and salt until as smooth as possible. Place in a bowl, cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes, or until firm. Shape into a ball.

2. On a plate, toss together the nuts and parsley. Roll the cheese ball in the nut mixture until completely coated.

Per serving: 191 Cal.; 8g Protein; 18g Fat (10g saturated); 1g Carb.; 249mg Sodium; 45mg Chol.; 1g Fiber

Village Tip
A nice thing about this easy hors d'oeuvre is that the flavors develop as the cheese ball sits. You can make it up to 5 days ahead of time; wrap well and refrigerate. Before serving, let soften at room temperature for about 30 minutes.