3ozcrumbled blue cheese, or other strong cheese of your choice(¾ cup)
¾cupdried cherries
1cupfinely chopped almonds
approximately 24 pretzel sticks,(use gluten-free pretzel sticks if necessary)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F. Spread the almonds on a baking sheet and toast for 7-10 minutes, just until fragrant. Allow to cool, then chop finely in a food processor.
Line a baking sheet
Cut the cream cheese into cubes and put in a food processor bowl. Process until smooth.
Add the cherries and pulse just until they are slightly chopped. Add the blue cheese and pulse briefly. If you process it too long the cheese mixture will take on an unappetizing blue tinge.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Dampen your fingers and roll balls of the cheese mixture about ¾ in diameter. They should be small enough for a single bite. Roll in the chopped almonds and place on the parchment paper. Chill in the refrigerator for an hour or more.
Just before serving, insert a pretzel stick in the middle of each ball. If you insert it too early, it will turn soggy.