Recipe: Freezer Cheese Balls (using cheddar, blue cheese and cream cheese)

FREEZER CHEESE BALLS

2 cups (8 ounces) shredded sharp cheddar cheese, room temperature
1 (8 ounces) package cream cheese or Neufchatel cheese, room temperature
4 ounces blue cheese, cut into pieces, room temperature
1/4 cup butter or margarine
1 garlic clove, minced
2/3 cup coarsely chopped walnuts or pecans (for garnish)
Assorted crackers (for serving)

Combine cheddar, cream cheese, blue cheese and butter in the bowl of an electric mixer. Beat until blended. Add garlic. Beat until creamy.

Cover and chill until firm enough to form balls, about 3 hours.

Divide dough in half. Shape into balls. Wrap tightly in plastic. Place in a plastic bag. Refrigerate or freeze until needed.

Allow frozen cheese balls to stand at room temperature unwrapped 3 to 4 hours before serving.

Sprinkle nuts onto wax paper. Roll cheese balls in nuts, pressing lightly to adhere. Serve with assorted crackers.

Source: Hors D'Oeuvres, Appetizers, Spreads and Dips by Sunset Books