How to make a Christmas tree shaped ham and cheese ball:
Place about 1" of wax paper under the cheese ball on each side, tape the wax paper to the counter so it doesn't move when you start piping the cheese. This makes clean up easier as you can slide the wax paper from under the tree and the plate stays nicer.
Put half of the cheese mixture into a disposable icing bag and cut about 1/2" hole in the tip of the bag.
Make a first pass, shaping a tree by moving the icing bag back and forth. (This also makes a quick icing decoration on top of cupcakes or a cake using an icing tip in the bag.)
Fill the bag with the rest of the mixture and make a second and third pass, each one closer to the center of the tree. Fill in any empty spots with a dot of mixture.
Cover the tree with parsley, gently press it into the cream cheese, be sure to cover the sides too. Once the tree is covered carefully slide the wax paper out one piece at a time. You'll probably need to hold the side of a knife against the cheese to keep it in place because it will want to stick a bit to the paper.
Finish decorating the tree with bell pepper decorations. I used cookie cutters to cut the shapes out.
Brush any stray parsley off of the plate and serve. Easy and cute!
Leftovers? Cream cheese spread is good on a bagel the next morning or could be added to mac and cheese.
Ham and Cheese Ball
8 oz cream cheese, room temperature
4 oz cheddar, shredded
3-4 oz ham, diced
1 Tblsp onion, finely minced
1 Tblsp bell pepper, red and/or green, finely minced
1/4 tsp black pepper
fresh parsley, finely minced, enough to cover cheese ball
bell peppers cut into ornament shapes for decorations
Assorted crackers, bagel chips and veggies for serving
~Mix first six ingredients, roll into ball (or shape into Christmas tree), cover in parsley and chill until ready to serve.
Eat well and have a happy day:@)
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featured on Totally Tutorials
I'm Joining:
Craftastic Monday
Mix It Up Monday
The Scoop
Whimsy Wednesday
featured on Totally Tutorials
just too cute!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely stunning. Great tutorial.
ReplyDeleteCheese balls are always appreciated and easy to take places. Your Christmas tree version looks so festive and is such a great tutorial, Lynn!
ReplyDeleteI love it too! And I hope everyone takes neat bites out of it! Hugs!
ReplyDeleteSuch a fun idea! I love how you've converted a delicious cheese ball into the perfect holiday appetizer :)
ReplyDeleteI love your festive cheese tree Lynn! Super easy with your piping method too :)
ReplyDeleteDoes it have less calories if it's in a tree shape? Love the piping method, sorta brilliant!
ReplyDeleteJenna
Hi, sweet friend...thanks so much for coming by.
ReplyDeleteThis is an adorable cheese tree...so cute.
Have a really good Thanksgiving.
Very clever idea, Lynn! This would be beautiful for a Christmas buffet!
ReplyDeleteThis is such an awesome idea! Pinning! Thank you so much for sharing!
ReplyDeleteWhat an adorable idea. I'm so glad I saw this on the Themed Christmas Link party. I'm making this for the holidays when family come over.
ReplyDeleteHow cute its that, perfect!! I love cheeseballs. Reminds me that I need to do a blog post of my recipe. Thanks so much for linking up with me at my party #AThemedLinkup 35 for Christmas Recipes, open until December 7 at 12:05 am.
ReplyDeleteCONGRATS! Your post is FEATURED at #AThemedLinkup 36 for Christmas Crafts and Decor from my previous linkup for Christmas Recipes, open until December 17 at 12:05 am.
ReplyDelete