Freezer Cheese Balls

Make ahead and keep frozen until you need them.

2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese
4 oz blue cheese, cut into pieces
4 Tbls. butter
1 clove garlic, minced
2/3 cup coarsely chopped walnuts or pecans

Allow cheeses and butter to stand at room temperature until soft. Place Cheddar, cream cheese, blue cheese, and butter in a large bowl; with an electric mixer; beat until blended. Add garlic and beat until creamy.

Cover and chill mixture until firm enough to shape into balls, but not hard (about 2 hours). Divide in half and shape each half into a smooth ball. Sprinkle nuts on a piece of was paper and roll each ball in about half of the nuts, pressing in lightly. Place balls in separate freezer bags and seal; refrigerate or freeze until needed.

Before serving, allow cheese balls to stand at room temperature, unwrapped for 30 minutes if refrigerated or 3 to 4 hours if frozen.

Makes 2 balls about 3" in diameter.