It’s barely the middle of November and we’ve already attended our first holiday party. It was like a scrimmage leading up to the regular season that kicks off with Thanksgiving and runs through New Year’s. I’m always looking for unique appetizer recipes that are short on prep time but high in wow factor to work into the roster and with these gorgonzola cheese balls with hazelnuts tucked in the center, I have found a winner. Now enough of the sports analogies. It’s time to get out there and tackle the holidays!
Gorgonzola Cheese Balls with Hazelnuts
Author: Adapted from KneadtoCook.com
Serves: 15
Ingredients
- 4 oz gorgonzola cheese at room temperature
- 4 oz of cream cheese at room temperature
- 1 Tbsp of fresh rosemary leaves, finely chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 15 hazelnuts
- 1 cup of slivered almonds, toasted
Instructions
- Place cheese, rosemary, salt & pepper in a food processor and blend until creamy.
- Place the mixture on a piece of plastic wrap and cover. Refrigerate for at least an hour.
- Remove and divide cheese mixture into 15 portions.
- Place a hazelnut in the center of each and roll to make a ball. Refrigerate for another 30 minutes.
- Grind toasted almonds in a coffee grinder or food processor. Roll the cheese balls in the nuts to coat.
- Refrigerate until ready to use.
