Almond Cheese Balls
This recipe comes from my mother-in-law, whose sense of humor and culinary creativity initiated the family tradition of serving Almond Cheese Balls on a platter hosted by a family of wooden mice.
I had these on my wedding night and have been making them ever since. They are deceptively easy and remarkably delicious. You can use any kind of cheese, but the secret to the ultimate taste and texture is (don't laugh) Velveeta!
Ingredients
3/4 cup flour
1/4 teaspoon salt
dash cayenne pepper
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter, softened
3/4 cup grated cheese (3 to 4 ounces, depending on variety)
2 tablespoons cold water
1/4 cup roasted almonds, chopped
Instructions
In a medium mixing bowl, mix together flour, salt, and cayenne. Add butter and cheese, and mix well. Sprinkle water over mixture and blend together until well incorporated. Mix in chopped almonds.
Roll the mixture into 16-20 small balls, about 2 inches in diameter. (Alternatively, you can roll the mixture into a log 2 inches in diameter. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill. Slice into 16-20 pieces.) Any excess dough can be refrigerated and used later. Place on a greased baking sheet or one lined with a Silpat® baking mat.
Bake in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes (closer to 20 minutes if the dough is chilled) or until bottoms are golden brown. Serve immediately, garnished a family of wooden mice.