nutritional information

Per 3-Tbs. serving:

  • Calories: 134
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Total Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 8 g
  • Cholesterol: 20 mg
  • Sodium: 203 mg
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Sugar: 7 g
Gluten-Free

Date-Cheese Ball

date-cheese ball

Serves 8

Orange zest and fresh thyme give this party staple a gourmet flair. Serve with assorted crackers, toasted baguette slices, and pear and apple wedges. This recipe can be made up to three days ahead.
  • ⅓ cup sliced almonds
  • 1 8-oz. pkg. reduced-fat cream cheese, softened
  • 1 4-oz. log goat cheese or blue cheese, softened
  • 1 Tbs. grated orange zest
  • 1 Tbs. fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 pinch salt
  • ⅓ cup chopped pitted dates

1. Toast almonds in small skillet over medium-low heat 3 to 5 minutes, or until light brown. Transfer to plate to cool.

2. Process cream cheese, goat cheese, orange zest, thyme, and salt in food processor until smooth. Transfer to small bowl, and stir in dates. Coat large rectangle of plastic wrap with cooking spray, and scoop cheese mixture onto it. Shape into ball, wrapping in plastic, and chill 1 hour.

3. Roll cheese ball in toasted almonds, pressing to adhere. Refrigerate wrapped in clean plastic wrap until ready to serve. Let stand at room temperature 10 minutes before serving.

December 2011 p.56

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comments

Very 70s, yet a huge hit. Substituted chopped tart dried cherries for the dates, otherwise I thought it would be way too sweet. People loved it with the sliced green apple and there was only the tinest bit left to spread on toast for breakfast.

Kate Eaton - 2012-05-21 21:42:20