🧀 Ann’s Bleu Cheese Ball 🧀
📜 History:
The origins of Ann’s Bleu Cheese Ball can be traced back to the mid-20th century when cheese balls became a popular appetizer in American cuisine. These savory creations quickly gained popularity at parties and gatherings due to their creamy, flavorful, and versatile nature. While there may not be a specific historical account of Ann’s Bleu Cheese Ball, it is a delightful variation of the classic cheese ball, enhanced with the bold and tangy flavors of blue cheese.
🍽️ Components:
Ann’s Bleu Cheese Ball typically consists of the following components:
- 8 oz (about 1 cup) cream cheese, softened
- 4 oz blue cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives or green onions
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (for coating)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- A pinch of salt (adjust to taste)
- Optional: minced garlic or minced shallots for extra flavor
🔪 Steps to Prepare:
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Soften the Cream Cheese: Allow the cream cheese to come to room temperature to make it easier to mix. This takes about 30 minutes.
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Combine Cream Cheese and Blue Cheese: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and crumbled blue cheese. Mix until they are well incorporated.
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Add Flavor: Add the chopped chives or green onions, black pepper, a pinch of salt, and any optional minced garlic or shallots. Mix thoroughly to evenly distribute the flavors.
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Shape into a Ball: Use your hands to shape the cheese mixture into a ball. You can also shape it into a log or any desired shape.
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Coat with Nuts: Spread the chopped pecans or walnuts on a plate. Roll the cheese ball in the nuts, pressing gently to ensure they adhere to the surface.
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Chill: Place the cheese ball on a serving platter or wrap it in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours, or until it firms up.
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Serve: Before serving, let the cheese ball sit at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes to soften slightly. Accompany it with crackers, bread, or vegetable sticks for dipping.
🕒 Preparation Time:
- Preparation time is approximately 15 minutes.
- Chilling time varies but typically takes 1-2 hours.
Ann’s Bleu Cheese Ball is a delightful and flavorful appetizer that is perfect for parties, gatherings, or simply as a delicious snack. Enjoy the creamy, tangy goodness of blue cheese in every bite! 🧀🎉
Certainly, here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Ann’s Bleu Cheese Ball:
📊 Nutrition Facts (Approximate):
- Serving Size: 1 ounce (about 28 grams)
- Calories: Approximately 120-140 calories per serving
- Total Fat: Approximately 11-13 grams
- Saturated Fat: Approximately 6-7 grams
- Trans Fat: Minimal or none
- Cholesterol: Approximately 25-30 milligrams
- Sodium: Approximately 180-220 milligrams
- Total Carbohydrates: Approximately 1-2 grams
- Dietary Fiber: Minimal or none
- Sugars: Minimal or none
- Protein: Approximately 3-4 grams
Please note that these values can vary based on the specific brands and quantities of ingredients used. Additionally, the choice of crackers or dippers can also affect the overall nutritional content.
🥗 Health Information:
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Moderation: Ann’s Bleu Cheese Ball is delicious but should be enjoyed in moderation due to its relatively high fat and calorie content. It’s an indulgent treat rather than a health food.
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Calcium: Cheese, including blue cheese, is a good source of calcium, which is essential for bone health. However, because of its high sodium content, it’s best not to overconsume.
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Protein: This cheese ball does provide a small amount of protein, which is important for various bodily functions.
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Fats: The fats in this appetizer come from cream cheese and blue cheese. While they add to the richness and flavor, it’s advisable to watch portion sizes, especially if you’re conscious of your fat intake.
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Sodium: The sodium content can be relatively high due to the blue cheese. High sodium intake can be a concern for people with certain medical conditions, so be mindful of your overall salt intake.
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Customization: You can make this recipe slightly healthier by using reduced-fat cream cheese and reducing the amount of blue cheese used. You can also serve it with whole-grain crackers or vegetable sticks for added fiber and nutrients.
Remember that enjoying food is also about pleasure and socializing, so while it’s essential to be mindful of nutrition, it’s okay to indulge occasionally in treats like Ann’s Bleu Cheese Ball as part of a balanced diet.
