Anyone who has lost someone knows how hard the holidays can be. It doesn’t matter how much time has passed; there’s always going to be a bit of sadness. My mom passed away almost eight years ago, and though it is easier, it is never easy. A long time ago, my mom, whether she knew it or not, gave me a gift that helps me feel that she is with me during the holidays. The gift she gave me is her recipes and the skills and know-how to cook them. This cheese ball is one of those recipes. This has been a staple of my family’s Christmas since before I was born. Even though my mom is gone, I still enjoy her cooking, which feels like a big hug through time and space. Each bite takes me back to every Christmas I did get to spend with her. And even though my son never got a chance to meet his grandmother, he will get to know her, in some way through these recipes. What an amazing gift she gave me.
Cheese Ball Ingredients
You obviously can’t have a cheese ball without cheese, so we’ll start there. For this recipe, use two cups of old or extra old cheddar cheese. Along with the cheese, there is one hard-boiled egg, some green bell pepper, sweet gherkins, pimento-stuffed olives, cracker crumbs, minced onion, mayonnaise, and salt. It is important to cut everything as small as possible; otherwise, the cheese ball will fall apart. For the egg, it is easiest to grate on a cheese grater. You can find the full list of measurements in the printable recipe at the end of the post.
Putting The Cheese Ball Together
To make the cheese ball put the cheese in a medium mixing bowl, grate the egg into the bowl, then add the remaining ingredients and mix well.
Forming and Resting The Cheese Ball
Once the ingredients have been mixed, divide the mixture into two and form into two balls. Then, wrap the balls tightly in plastic wrap. Put the cheese ball in the fridge for at least two hours to rest. It’s best if you let it sit in the fridge overnight. This time allows all the flavours to combine and is crucial in getting the right taste.
Serving The Cheese Ball
Take the cheese ball out of the fridge, unwrap it and serve it with assorted crackers, sweet gherkins, and olives. You may want to make a double batch becasue it isn’t going to last long.
Ingredients
- 2 cups Old Cheddar Cheese, grated
- 2 tbsp Onion, minced
- 3 tbsp Green Bell Pepper, minced
- 2 tbsp Olives stuffed with pimento, minced
- 2 tbsp Sweet Gherkins, minced
- 1 Hardboiled Egg, grated
- 1/2 cup Soda Crackers, crushed
- 1/4 cup Mayonnaise
- 1/2 tsp Salt
Instructions
- Combine and mix all ingredients in a medium mixing bowl. Mix well.
- Divide the mixture into two and form into two balls.
- Wrap the balls in plastic and store in the fridge for two hours before serving with crackers, olives, and pickles. It is best to rest the cheese ball in the fridge overnight to allow the flavours to come togehter.
Conclusion
This cheese ball, more than almost anything else, is Christmas to me. I can do without the presents or decorations, but not without this. I hope you enjoy the recipe, and I hope that it brings you a little cheer even if you can’t be with the ones you love. And, if you’re feeling a little extra lonely this year, know that every bite you take of this cheese ball is like a big hug from my mom and me. Enjoy.
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