Cheese Sculpture

Adding a cheese sculpture/ball is a really easy hors d’oeuvre to put out for your guests. It is easy to make and easy to freeze and pull out when needed. I used the following recipe for  my “Time for a Party” cocktail party – I shaped the cheese in the form of a clock… here’s how it went…

You will need:
16 ounces of cream cheese (the brick, not whipped)
4 cups of grated sharp cheddar cheese
2 envelopes of  Hidden Valley Ranch dressing mix

Cream all of the ingredients together in a mixer until nice and creamy.

Roll into a ball or shape into whatever shape you desire.  At this point, while it is still quite creamy, roll in crushed pecans, walnuts, or finely chopped herbs if desired.  Refrigerate for up to 48 hours.  Remove from the refrigerator three hours prior to the party to bring the cheese to peak flavor.

I shaped my cheese by lining an 8 inch cake pan with plastic wrap and filling it with the cheese mixture.  I used a spatula to compact the cheese, and then covered it with another sheet of plastic wrap.  I used the top piece of plastic wrap to smooth down and level the top of the cheese.  I refrigerated it for 36 hours, then pulled off the top layer of plastic wrap.  I put the serving plate on top of the cake pan, and flipped the plate and pan together to turn out the cheese shape from the pan.  After pulling off the remaining plastic wrap, I trimmed the ‘clock’ with almonds for the numbers, and thin pretzel sticks for the hands of the clocks.

Bon Appetit!

I will be sharing this at the following link parties:  Home Matters Linky Party