Bacon Cheddar Cheese Balls

By amt2mf

Nutrition Facts: Calories 218, Total Fat (g)17, Cholesterol (mg)49, Sodium (mg)361, Carbohydrate (g)6, Protein (g)11.

Ingredients

• 1 lb. extra sharp cheddar cheese*, finely shredded
• 2 8-oz pkg. reduced-fat cream cheese (Neufchatel)
• 1 2-oz. jar sliced pimiento, rinsed, drained, patted dry, and chopped
• 1/4 cup apricot preserves
• 2 Tbsp. milk
• 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 tsp. bottled hot pepper sauce
• 8 to 10 slices bacon, crisp cooked and crumbled
• 1/3 cup pistachio nuts, chopped
• Celery stalks, cucumber slices, apricot halves, and/or toasted baguette slices

Preparation

Step 1

1. In a very large bowl combine cheddar and cream cheese; let stand to come to room temperature (about 45 minutes). Add pimientos, apricot preserves, milk, Worcestershire, hot pepper sauce and about 1/2 of the cooked bacon. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until almost smooth.

2. Cover and chill cheese mixture (and cooked bacon) 2 hours or until easy to handle. Divide into portions; on waxed paper shape into balls. Cover and chill. Roll in bacon bits or pistachios within 4 hours of serving.

3. Serve with celery, cucumber, apricot and/or toasted bread slices.