Ohio’s Pick “Turducken Cheese Ball”

OK, so this one is a little involved, but I tell you, what a statement it makes! It’s not only gorgeous and pleasing to the eye, but to every sense of the palate as well. There is no other like it! Pinky swear! If you want to impress a crowd or simply your taste buds, this is your “go to” cheese ball for the holidays. Bellissima in every way!

Ingredients:

1 (4-ounce) washed or bloomy-rind semifirm cheese (about 2 inches in height, length, and width), such as Bucheret

3 cups plus 2 tablespoons cream cheese (about 25 ounces)

Freshly ground black pepper

1/4 cup small-dice Spanish chorizo (about 1 1/2 ounces)

1 cup shredded Manchego cheese (about 3 ounces)

3/4 cup finely chopped dried figs (about 4 ounces)

1 cup shredded Emmentaler cheese (about 2 1/2 ounces)

1/4 cup finely chopped fresh Italian parsley leaves

2 tablespoons finely chopped chives

1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (about 5 ounces)

3/4 cup small-dice Asian pear (from 1 medium pear)

3/4 cup crumbled blue cheese (about 4 ounces)

1 1/4 cups walnuts, toasted and coarsely chopped (about 3 1/4 ounces)

1 1/4 cups chèvre (fresh goat cheese; about 9 ounces)

1/2 cup sliced almonds, toasted (about 2 ounces)

1/2 cup pecans, toasted and coarsely chopped (about 2 1/4 ounces)

3 slices cooked thick-cut bacon, small dice

Crackers or sliced baguette, for serving

For full instructions, please visit here:

http://www.chow.com/recipes/30216-the-turducken-of-cheese-balls

Original recipe & photos: chow