Wise Owl Cheese Ball

This fun cheese ball inspiration comes from my Great Balls of Cheese cookbook, by Michelle Buffardi.  I adapted the recipe for what I had on hand and I think he turned out pretty cute.    My friend Debbie, from Mountain Breaths is going to LOVE this owl! 
Here's the recipe, if you give a "hoot"!

1 8-ounce package of cream cheese, softened

1 8-ounce tub of cream cheese with onion and chives

1 cup extra-sharp cheddar cheese (I used white)

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1/2 teaspoon coarse salt

a dash of Worcestershire sauce

For Decorating the owl:

1 cup sliced almonds, toasted

2 small round butter crackers

2 small pitted black olives, sliced

1 carrot

2 scoop-shaped corn chips, such as Fritos Scoops

crackers for serving

Using a stand mixer, mix together the cream cheeses, cheddar, mustard, salt and Worcestershire sauce in a bowl.  Set aside 1 teaspoon of the cream cheese mixture for attaching the eyes.  Form the remaining mixture into an owl shape-it should look like a large egg.  Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.  

When ready to serve, layer the almonds around the back and sides of the owl for the feathers, leaving the breast area plain.  To make the eyes, spread each small butter cracker with a little of the reserved cream cheese mixture, and stick an olive in the middle.  Affix the eyes to where the owl's face will be.  To make the beak, slice two 1/4" pieces of the carrot into triangles, and make a mouth below the owl's eyes.    To make the feet, slice six slivers from the remaining carrot and arrange at the bottom of the owl.  Finish the owl by pressing the 2 corn chips into the head for ears.  

This would be fun to serve for a Thanksgiving appetizer.  You can also check out my Turkey Cheese Ball recipe here. 

I am sharing this with:

Make It Pretty Monday 

Share Your Cup
Full Plate
Foodie Friday
Weekend Potluck

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