Swiss and Cream Cheese Ball
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme, divided or 2 teaspoons dried
thyme, divided
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons gin or vodka
10 ounces (2-1/2 cups) Swiss cheese
2/3 cup chopped smoked ham
1/2 cup chopped fresh chives
In a large bowl of an electric mixer, combine cream cheese, 1
tablespoon of fresh thyme (or 1 teaspoon dried), pepper, salt and
gin. Beat until blended and smooth, about 1 minute. Add Swiss cheese
and ham and beat until evenly mixed, about 30 seconds. Cover and
refrigerate mixture for about an hour before forming.
Combine remaining thyme and the chives and spread on a large plate
or sheet of waxed paper. Dampen your hands with water to keep the
cheese mixture from sticking to them. Pat and press into a ball
shape and roll in the thyme-chive mixture to coat. Wrap in plastic
wrap and chill several hours before serving. MAKES
20 SERVINGS
The California Milk Advisory Board
Nutrition facts per serving: 105 calories, 8 g fat, 5 g saturated
fat, 29 mg cholesterol, 1 g carbohydrates, 6 g protein, 213 mg
sodium, 1 g fiber |