Snowman Cheese Ball

If you follow my page on Facebook, you'll know that over the weekend we were the hosts for our monthly Couples Euchre game....party 2 of 5 happening in my home this December!  The hubby and I have hosted the December Euchre for years - we like to get the most bang for our buck with all of our decorations.

As with every monthly Couples Euchre, each couple brings an appetizer to share.  Several years ago the hubby and I turned it into a competition - giving the 1st place winner a small prize (usually a holiday-like appetizer tray) and bragging rights for an entire year.  Some years have had a theme...this year I was so busy, the theme was "Best Overall" - very vague, but geared the contestants towards presentation and taste.

Once everyone arrives, the appetizers are labeled with a number and then each person casts their secret vote.  The past couple of years the votes typically go to just two of the dishes - this year was no different.  It was a close one, but the Snowman Cheese Ball was the big winner!

Below you'll find photo before the taste testing started along with a photo of the winner (with the partially eaten snowman!)  Recipe courtesy of Betty Crocker - in my opinion, you can never go wrong with a Betty Crocker recipe.

Thanks to all of our friends who participated in this year's contest - and congrats to the winner!

Snowman Cheese Ball
Serves 7
Recipe courtesy of Betty Crocker

3 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
4 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
2 tablespoons basil pesto
1 tablespoon grated onion
1/4 teaspoon yellow mustard
2 drops red pepper sauce
1 container (4 ounces) whipped cream cheese, softened
Decorations (see below under Tips from Betty)
Assorted crackers

Mix 3 packages cream cheese and the Cheddar cheese; divide into 3 equal parts. Combine 2 parts to equal two-thirds of mixture; mix in pesto. Mix onion, mustard and pepper sauce into remaining one-third mixture.

Cover each cheese mixture and refrigerate about 4 hours or until firm enough to shape. Shape each cheese mixture into ball. Wrap each ball, label and freeze.

About 12 hours before serving, remove balls from freezer. Thaw in wrappers in refrigerator.

Arrange balls on serving plate with smaller ball on top for head of snowman. Frost snowman with whipped cream cheese before serving. Decorate as desired. Serve with crackers. Store covered in refrigerator.

Tips from Betty:

You can make this cute little guy up to 1 month ahead!

Guests may be a little reluctant to start sampling your delicious creation, so make extra to fill serving bowls to help get them started.

Use your imagination to decorate this whimsical snowman! You can use fresh rosemary and dried cranberries (crown), chopped olive pieces or raisins (eyes and buttons), pimiento or red bell pepper (mouth), radicchio or carrot ribbon (scarf), and asparagus spears or celery sticks (arms).