Easy to make and perfect for the Christmas holidays, this Holiday Cheese Wreath will get your holiday gathering going in the right direction. Serve as an appetizer to your complete holiday meal along with festive holiday cocktails, such as Eggnog Martinis, Candy Cane Cosmos, The Nutcracker or the Perfect Holiday Cocktail.
- 1 8-zo package cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese
- 1 packet ranch dressing seasoning mix
- 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh chives
- 1 bunch fresh Italian (flat-leaf) parsley, large stems trimmed off and discarded, leaves chopped
- 1 small jar pimientos, drained
- crackers
Note: the above ingredients are waiting for you at your local Safeway or Cosentino’s markets.
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese on high speed until smooth.
- Add the shredded cheese, ranch seasoning mix and chopped chives. Continue to beat until well- blended.
- On a serving plate, place a drinking glass in the center.
- Drop the cheese ball mixture by spoonfuls around the glass on the plate. Using your hands, mold the mixture into a circular shape around the glass. When satisfied with the shape of your “wreath,” remove the glass to create the hole in the center.
- Using your hand, lightly press the chopped parsley leaves on the cheese ball wreath to cover it.
- Decorate wreath by placing small round shapes of the drained pimientos at intervals on top of the wreath. (See photo.)
- Cover with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator at least 1 hour or until ready to serve.
- When ready to serve, arrange crackers on the serving plate and be sure to put out one or two cheese spreading utensils.
Lincoln Distributors 