cheese ball

party planning

Keep on Rollin': 5 Cheese Balls to Try

Happy National Cheese Ball Day!

Happy National Cheese Ball Day! We were thrilled to learn that there's a day to celebrate the cheese ball, because we're always looking for an excuse to make one.

If you've never had a cheese ball, allow me to introduce you to your new favorite appetizer: its base is cream cheese, and it's typically whipped up with various aromatic herbs, other cheeses, and sometimes meat, like bacon. Then it's patted into a ball shape and rolled around in various coatings like pecans, pepper, dried fruit, or chocolate chips. Serve it with crackers, pretzels, fresh fruit, or cookies like Nilla Wafers (there are also sweet varieties out there). While cheese balls are typically reserved for party occasions, we're thinking there's no reason on earth not to make and enjoy a cheese ball to ourselves on this fine holiday.

Sources: Anna Monette Roberts, Kitchen Meets Girl, and Young Austinian
recipes

Come Party With Me: Pumpkin Carving — Menu

From 2003 to 2006, every October I hosted an annual pumpkin carving party.

From 2003 to 2006, every October I hosted an annual pumpkin carving party. In 2007, I threw a huge Halloween bash, and last year, I didn't do anything!

Now, I've decided it's time to bring back my beloved pumpkin carving dinner. I supply the pumpkins and a hearty Fall dinner and ask everyone to bring a bottle of wine or a six-pack of beer. Since the party is all about creating interesting pumpkin designs, I like to serve a menu that guests can enjoy at their leisure.

For starters, I'll offer an orange and black cheese ball and spicy sausages wrapped in pizza dough.

A huge pot of vegetarian chili will bubble on the stove, and in between carving pumpkins, guests can grab a bowl and top it with an assortment of items like cilantro, avocado, and sour cream. A side of jalapeño cornbread muffins are ideal for dipping. To look at these recipes, read more

recipes

Come Party With Me: Ugly Sweater — Menu (Savory)

Although the Ugly Sweater party starts at 8 p.m., it's important to offer guests a few snacks to nibble on throughout the night.

Although the Ugly Sweater party starts at 8 p.m., it's important to offer guests a few snacks to nibble on throughout the night. The last thing you want is a drunken guest raiding your fridge or pantry. To avoid this sloppy situation, set out a variety of small appetizers that require virtually no work throughout the night.

A vegetarian garlic, eggplant, and tomato spread is delicious on crusty bread. A homemade chex-style party mix is an excellent absorber of alcohol. Since this is a tacky-chic party, make three different kinds of cheese balls. Serve with an assortment of crackers and flatbreads. If desired, supplement the menu with store bought goods like olives, dips, and vegetables.

For the recipes, read more