You only need 10 minutes to prepare this popular party snack. These mini goat cheese balls, skewered with a pretzel stick, are always the first to disappear from the serving tray.
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These mini goat cheese balls are a riff on my Mini Cheese Balls on a Stick that have been popular on Pinterest. This time, I chose to use goat and sheep's milk cheese, instead of cheese made from cow's milk so that everyone in my family can enjoy them. I like both Pecorino and Manchego cheese, but if cow's milk cheese is not a problem, you can also use a hard cheese like Parmesan or Asiago to mix with the goat cheese.
Ten minutes from start to finish! They make a perfect last-minute appetizer.
What kind of cook are you?
I'm a home cook. I don't make intricately plated meals -- those that look like they've been arranged with tweezers. I enjoy making simple wholesome dishes that promote good health and have interesting flavours. But sometimes it's fun to make cute little party foods that everyone enjoys eating.
Rolling these little cheese balls is almost meditative. It's a repetitive task. Scoop, roll, coat and skewer. Scoop, roll, coat and skewer. Don't get me wrong. This is a very easy, very quick recipe for a great little party snack, but the final stage requires nothing except quiet focus.
And that's one of the reasons I enjoy creating in the kitchen so much. It's a time to simply focus on the task at hand and not be pulled in several different directions at once. Sometimes, I think I'll increase my efficiency index by preparing a few recipes at the same time. I rarely succeed and I certainly don't enjoy it. Cooking then becomes a chore, and not a pastime.
Whenever I'm in the kitchen, I'm learning something new. I find new flavour combinations that I haven't tried before, I see how different foods react with one another, how colours can enhance or detract from the appeal of a finished product. (Green smoothies without the right balance of green spring to mind. I've made a few that have turned out looking like pond muck.)
So whether you're a seasoned cook, a pro in the kitchen, or someone just learning to create healthy meals at home, finding a way to make your time in the kitchen stress-free and enjoyable can add to the experience. Putting on some music, listening to a podcast, interacting and sharing tasks with my family members, or simply quietly focusing on what I'm creating are some of the ways I've found to make meal preparation something to savour.
Food is like a conduit, bringing us together to connect. In my home, parties often begin around my kitchen island, snacking on appies before gathering around the table. I hope you enjoy sharing this party snack in your home!
Mini Goat Cheese Balls
Ingredients
- ½ cup soft goat cheese
- ¾ cup grated hard cheese, like Pecorino, Manchego, Parmesan or Asiago
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ½ cup finely chopped pecans
- pretzel sticks, gluten-free if necessary
Instructions
- Mix all ingredients except pecans in a food processor until smooth.
- Using a small spoon or a small cookie scoop, scoop and roll small balls in the palm of your hand.
- Roll balls in finely chopped pecans.
- Insert a pretzel stick and serve immediately, or chill until ready to serve without the stick. If you insert the sticks too soon, they will become soggy.
Nutrition
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Ashley says
I'm pretty sure goat cheese is my very favorite cheese - these look so so good!
Flavour & Savour says
Thanks Ashley! Goat cheese is often a good alternative for those who can't tolerate cow's milk cheese. These are so easy too! Thanks for commenting!
vernah says
As a very long time cook who can multi task with the best of them, I always focus on the result. I love your words, they encourage me to slow down and enjoy the process
Flavour & Savour says
Hi Vernah! Thanks for your kind comment! I've learned over the years that the process of creating in the kitchen is just as satisfying, if not more so, than the final product! Hope you get time to slow down and truly enjoy this holiday season!