Joy (she/her) is the Assistant Food Editor on the food team, where she develops and tests recipes to ensure both deliciousness and accuracy before they appear in titles like Good Housekeeping, Women’s Health, Woman’s Day, Prevention, and Country Living. After graduating from UChicago with a major in political science, she made the (best) decision to pursue her passion for food by enrolling in pastry school and working at her dream NYC restaurant, Gramercy Tavern. Before joining the GH team, Joy assisted on cookbook and editorial shoots, ran an Instagram micro bakery, and worked as a freelance writer and developer with bylines appearing in Eater, Food52, Simply Recipes, Food Network, and more. Joy has a special place in her heart for croissants and tiramisu, and is always on the hunt for the next cafe to explore in the city (a journey that never ends!).
Pimiento Cheese Ball Pinecone
These appetizers also make a perfect Thanksgiving centerpiece!
By Joy Cho
They may look spiky, but these festive cheese balls are all creamy, cheesy goodness.
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- Yields:
- 10 serving(s)
- Total Time:
- 15 mins
Ingredients
- 8 oz.
cream cheese, at room temperature
- 8 oz.
sharp orange Cheddar, coarsely grated (about 2 c.)
- 4 oz.
pepper Jack cheese, coarsely grated
- 1 tbsp.
mayonnaise or sour cream
- 1 tsp.
lemon zest plus 1 tbsp. juice
- 1/2
to 1 tsp. hot sauce
- 1
4-oz. jar pimientos, drained and finely chopped (about ¼ c.)
- 1
scallion, finely chopped
Whole roasted almonds, for decorating
Rosemary sprigs or chives, for decorating
Directions
- Step 1In large bowl, mix cream cheese, Cheddar, pepper Jack, mayonnaise, lemon zest and juice, hot sauce, pimientos, and scallion until well combined.
- Step 2Scrape mixture onto large piece of plastic wrap and use plastic (or damp hands) to form cheese into shape of pinecone. Lightly cover cheese ball, transfer to plate, and refrigerate until firm, 1 to 2 hours. Carefully peel off plastic and transfer cheese to serving plate.
- Step 3Press overlapping rows of almonds onto cheese ball to resemble pinecone. Press rosemary sprigs or chives into 1 end to resemble pine needles.
Assistant Food Editor
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