Pumpkin cheese ballWhile I was living in Austin I lived with a roomie who had an annual pumpkin carving party tradition. We would invite people over for a BYOP (Bring your own pumpkin) BBQ and everyone would carve their own pumpkin. It was always really fun to see what designs people chose for their pumpkins. Last year, I brought the tradition to Gainesville and held my own party complete with Halloween themed food. Since Halloween is coming up I thought I’d post a few of the dishes I made in case you are on the hunt for Halloween food!

Ingredients

  • 1 block extra-sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded
  • ½ package cream cheese, softened
  • ½ (4 oz) container chive-and-onion cream cheese
  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon ground red pepper
  • 1 broccoli stalk
  • Red and green apple wedges

Directions

Combine Cheddar cheese and next 4 ingredients in a bowl until blended. Cover and chill 4 hours or until mixture is firm enough to be shaped.

Shape mixture into a ball to resemble a pumpkin. Smooth entire outer surface with a frosting spatula or table knife. Make vertical grooves in ball, if desired, using fingertips.

Cut florets from broccoli stalk, and reserve for another use. Cut stalk to resemble a pumpkin stem, and press into top of cheese ball. Serve cheese ball with apple wedges.