¾ cup apple, ¼" diced
8 oz cream cheese
1 cup white sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup dried cranberries, chopped and divided
1 cup pecans, chopped and toasted (optional)
¼ cup and 2 tbsp chopped parsley
½ tsp garlic powder
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 5 mins
Servings: 6 Cheese Balls
1. To toast pecans, preheat oven to 375º F. Place chopped pecans on a baking tray and bake for 5 minutes or until aromatic. Remove from oven and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese, Cheddar cheese, half the toasted pecans, ½ cup dried cranberries, apples, parsley, and garlic powder until well combined.
3. Place mixture in the center of a piece of plastic wrap or parchment paper and cover completely with wrap while forming it into a ball shape. Place in fridge until ready to serve.
4. Just before serving, combine remaining ½ cup pecans, ½ cup dried cranberries, and 2 tablespoons of parsley on a flat surface or cutting board. Unwrap the ball and roll in cranberry-pecan mixture.
5. Serve with fresh New York apple slices. Enjoy!
To learn more about New York Apple Association, visit www.applesfromny.com