Ingredients
-
1 1/2
-
16
-
4
-
4
-
1/4
-
1
-
1/4 - 1/2
-
8
-
1 1/2
-
-
-
-
-
-
Directions
Zesty/Peppery/Sweet-Blue Cheese and Date Spread — or Balls!, Modified from an Atlanta Journal-Constitution (AJC com) online What’s For Dinner recipe, made famous by Ann Sprague of Smyrna, who got the recipe from neighbor Velinda Warda —- NOTE: Serve this zesty spread chilled or at room temperature, or make into balls Great with apple slices, celery sticks, tortilla chips, and/or crackers I really like this spread with tortilla chips — you get zesty, peppery-sweet, and salty!, This is really good! I only had 3 oz blue cheese so made a 3/4 recipe Only used 3/4 cup pecans and had to use lime zest instead of lemon (I had it on hand) Otherwise followed the recipe, choosing not to roll into a ball(s) Thanks for sharing! [Made for Spring 2013 Pick A Chef]
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Steps
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1
Done
|
Measure 1 1/2 Cups Pecans (or Double That Amount If Making Cheese Balls) Into an Large Iron Skillet, Toasting Over Medium Heat, Stirring Constantly ~ Remove from Heat and Finely Chop! (or, Preheat Oven to 350 Degrees ~ Spread Pecans on a Baking Sheet and Toast 5 Minutes.). |
|
2
Done
|
Set Nuts Aside; They Will Be Added Last! |
|
3
Done
|
in a Mixing Bowl, Combine (by Hand or Using an Electric Mixer), Cream Cheese, Blue Cheese Cheddar Cheese, Salt, Lemon Zest, and Freshly Grated Black Pepper Until Fluffy! |
|
4
Done
|
Stir in Dates and 1 1/2 Cups Toasted Pecans. |
|
5
Done
|
For Easier Handling, Chill For an Hour to Firm Up, If Making Into Cheese Balls. Coat With Additional Toasted, Chopped Pecans. |
|
6
Done
|
Serve This Zesty Spread (or Balls) Chilled, or at Room Temperature, With Apple Slices, Celery Sticks. Tortilla Chips, and/or Crackers. |
|
7
Done
|
Note: Cooking Time Is the Chill Time, Although I Thought the Flavor Greatly Improved After Chilling Overnight! the Recipe Can Easily Be Doubled to Serve a Larger Number of People! |
