I made a Smokey Cheese Ball! I really don’t think that I would have ever made one of these if it wasn’t for Bread & With It. Now… I’m ruined for life. When company comes over I will have to make a Smokey Cheese Ball in addition to everything else I have to make! Sigh… cooking from scratch is a blessing but can also be a curse. It’s like when an animal gets a taste for blood… wait… that’s probably not a good comparison. Needless to say, once you’ve had your favorite foods from scratch it is very difficult to go back to store-bought foods.
As I am typing this blog post now, I periodically pause to spread a heaping amount of Smokey Cheese Ball onto a round cracker. Then shove the whole thing into my mouth. There is no shame in it because it’s good. So good.
It’s raining tonight and the sound of the water drops pattering on the ground is almost as good as my Smokey Cheese Ball! While I always miss the sun when it’s gone, there is nothing like the smell and sound of a good ‘ol rainy day after a long summer. The Northwest always has perfect seasons and each season brings anticipation for the next. I love the rain now but when it comes to the end of its course I’ll be ready for the sun to come back.
With rain comes puddle boots. Winnie just got her first pair of puddle boots. They are slightly too big but within a month or two I’m sure they will fit her snugly. It’s about time to dig out scarves, hats, coats and mittens. We are headed to the pumpkin patch on Saturday, bundled in warm clothes. I can’t wait!
It probably sounds weird, hearing me go on and on about my love for the rain and lack of sun. I can see why you would think we’re weird… and maybe we are. Take a moment to reflect on this memory of my son, Locke. He was about five years old on a typical drizzly overcast day in Washington. It may have even been slightly dimmer than usual on this specific day. My five-year old northwest kid peeked through the window and with a voice that sounded like he was in pain he exclaimed “The sun! It’s burning my eyes!”, then threw himself back on the couch, moaning in pain. While I laughed… a lot… I worry that he was serious…
Thanks for reading Bread & With It guys! Have a great weekend!
- 2 8-ounce package cream cheese
- 2 cups finely shredded smoked cheddar, Swiss, or Gouda cheese
- 1/2 cup butter or margarine
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 2 teaspoons steak sauce
- 1 cup finely chopped nuts, toasted
- Assorted Crackers
- In a mixing bowl let cream cheese, shredded cheese, and butter stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. Add milk and steak sauce; beat until fluffy. Cover and chill for 4 to 24 hours.
- Shape mixture into one large ball or two smaller balls; roll in nuts. Let stand for 15 minutes. Serve with crackers.
I have never made a cheese ball before! Definitely need to make this recipe – I love a good cheese and crackers in the afternoon, and I have a feeling this would be perfect for that!