Jingle BALLS!

While growing up in Caribou my family hosted a Christmas Eve Open House every year that we were home. Since we didn't have any family in the area we opened our home to friends and neighbors inviting them to stop in to enjoy some delicious food and warm hospitality. My mother, sister, and I would be in the kitchen all day long preparing the various appetizers and treats that we would have out for our guests to enjoy. We each had our favorites; mom loved the meatballs, Bethany loved the shrimp cocktail spread, and I loved the cheese ball!

Christmas Eve 2010

A few years ago my parents came downstate to celebrate Christmas with my grandmother who lives in Camden. Since we were going to be in Liberty that year, Matt and I decided to host the Open House at our home. I made all the traditional "Souther Christmas Eve" dishes. We invited our family, friends, neighbors, and coworkers and we had an amazing turnout (over 40 people)! Having my parents and Grandmother there really made me feel like I was at home in Caribou.

This year we are hosting the open house again and I just returned home from the grocery store with all the ingredients to make my families traditional Christmas Eve spread. I have substituted a few local favorites but you better believe that the cheese ball will be present and account for!

Philadelphia Cheese Ball

2 (8 oz.) packages of Philadelphia cream cheese, softened
2 c. sharp cheddar cheese spread
1 T. green pepper, chopped
1 T. red pepper, chopped
2 t. Worcestershire sauce
1 t. lemon juice
chopped walnuts (optional)

1. Combine cream cheese and cheddar cheese spread.
2. Add remaining ingredients and mix well.
3. Form into ball and roll in chopped nuts (if desired) or put into serving dish.
4. Chill in refrigerator before serving. Serve with crackers, Melba toast, or snack sticks.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from my home to yours!