COMMUNITY INFORMATION
Woodland Hedgehog Cheese Ball Woodland hedgehog
cheese ball is a simple, savory appetizer that will be a stunning centerpiece at any event. Cream cheese, cheddar, Worcestershire sauce, and spices make this vegetarian snack idea a super cute munchie. For the homemade Onion Soup Mix • ¼ cup dried minced onion • 1 ¼ teaspoons onion powder • 1 ¼ teaspoons garlic powder • 1 teaspoon dried parsley • ½ teaspoon dried thyme leaves • ¼ teaspoon black pepper • ¼ teaspoon celery salt • ¼ teaspoon paprika For the Cheese Ball • 16 ounces cream cheese, softened • 2 cups extra sharp cheddar cheese, grated • ¼ cup sour cream • 2 ½ teaspoons Worcestershire sauce • 1 teaspoon lemon juice • 1 teaspoon dried parsley • ½ teaspoon paprika • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper • ¼ teaspoon dried thyme leaves For the Decoration • 1 cup pecan halves • 1/3 cup walnut pieces • 2 dried black beans for the eyes • 1 raisin for the nose • Few sprigs of fresh rosemary For Serving • Crackers of your choice
28 Parma Magazine & Community Guide | 2023-24
Making the Homemade Onion Soup Mix (5 minutes) 1.Stir together all the spices in a small bowl until well combined. 2. In a few batches, grind the spices a little smaller using a mortar and pestle. Set aside. Making the Cheese Ball (10 minutes + 2 hours chilling) 1. Beat the cream cheese and cheddar with a hand-held electric mixer until fluffy. Beat in the sour cream, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and additional spices. Add the homemade onion soup mix to taste. 2. Blend until thoroughly combined, scraping down the sides for an even mix. 3. Chill the cheese mixture in the fridge for
about two hours to firm up the mixture. You can keep it in the fridge for a few days at this point if you want to make it ahead. Shaping & Decorating the Cheese Ball (15 minutes) 1. Once the mixture has chilled enough to handle, place the mixture on a large piece of plastic wrap. Fold the wrap around the cheese, then shape it into a smooth ball. Use your hands to shape one end into a point to make the hedgehog’s head. 2. Unwrap the hedgehog and place him on the serving board. Make any adjustments to the shape, smoothing holes or creases with the back of a spoon. 3. Once you’re satisfied with the hedgehog’s shape, stick on the two dried beans for eyes and the raisin for a nose. Decorate the hedgehog’s back with rows of pecan halves and walnut pieces to look like spines. 4. Curl a few sprigs of fresh rosemary around the hedgehog to look like pine branches in a forest. Serve with crackers. Notes • Make your own soup mix. The store bought kind contains preservatives and extra salt. • Grate your own cheese. The pre-grated kind
will have a gritty texture in the cheese ball. • Wrap the mixture in plastic wrap as you’re
shaping it to keep your hands clean, then peel it off when you’re done. • Want this spicy? Add additional cayenne
pepper to taste. • Refrigerate leftovers for up to one week, or
freeze them.
