Goat Cheese and Sea Asparagus Pesto Cheese Ball
#foragednfoundak #eatwild #wildalaskanprovisions
Is a holiday still a holiday if you don’t serve a cheese ball as an appetizer? Over my lifetime, I have had many different cheese balls. Some are spiced with jalapeño for a kicked up tailgate party to a bacon ranch cheese ball that everyone drools over. This particular appetizer recipe that I am entering into the Foraged & Found Bloggers Recipe Challenge is super fast, easy and will truly impress your guests. Each of participant was mailed 4 complimentary jars of their Sea Asparagus Pesto.
READY, SET, GO!
WHAT’S THE CHALLENGE AND WHAT DO I WIN? THIS IS WHAT THEY HAVE TO SAY!!!
One Grand Prize Winner: $1,000.00 Cash Prize
One Appetizer Winner: $500.00 Cash Prize
This is your time to shine; we are looking for original recipes using our delicious Sea Asparagus Pesto that are inventive and delicious that leaves all your culinary skills on the kitchen counter.
One Entrée Winner: $500.00 Cash Prize
Be fresh and get out of your comfort zone! We are looking for inspiring recipes that are packed with wonderful flavors and aromas made with our Sea Asparagus Pesto that will leave us saying WOW!
When something is so good and all you want to do is add it to everything, that would be Foraged & Found Sea Asparagus Pesto. It’s not just another pesto, it’s one of a kind. Made from sea aparagus aka wild salicornia that are hand-picked from untouched beaches in Alaska. I have used every drop of this pesto in so many different ways; a creamy chicken dinner, Alaskan smoke salmon egg foo yung, Italian sausage stuffed zucchini and now a cheese ball.
Can I use other cheese besides goat cheese?
Yes, if you are not a big fan of goat cheese you could use cream cheese in its place. The flavor will be less tangy without the goat cheese but still delicious. You could also use mild finely shredded cheese like Monterey Jack or a fresh soft shredded mozzarella.
Can I make this appetizer ahead of time?
Absolutely you can make this Goat Cheese and Sea Asparagus Pesto Cheese Ball ahead of time. Just stop at the step of chilling the wrapped cheese ball. Have the chopped nuts ready to go and roll the ball right before serving. This prevents the nuts from softening. You could even make the cheese ball several days in advance which would allow the flavors of the cheese and pesto to come together nicely.
Can I use other nuts besides walnuts?
How about using toasted pine nuts, chopped roasted almonds or even pecans? Go for it. This cheese ball combo will go nicely with your choice of nuts. Honestly, I use walnuts often instead of pine nuts when paired with pesto because the cost is less expensive.
Check out my other two recipes for this contest: Foraged &Found Stuffed Chicken with Sea Asparagus Mustard Sauce and Alaskan Smoked Salmon Egg Foo Yung with Sour Cream Sea Asparagus Pesto Sauce. Both recipes use the companies pesto in full flavor and direction towards the contest product.
You can find more information about Foraged & Found on their social media platforms below.
Website: https://foragednfound.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ForagedNFound/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foragednfoundak/
Goat Cheese and Sea Asparagus Pesto Cheese Ball
Goat Cheese and Sea Asparagus Cheese Ball that is easy to make and sure to have your guests asking for the recipe.
Ingredients
- 4 oz. cream cheese, room temperature
- 8 oz. goat cheese, room temperature
- 1/3 cup Foraged & Found Sea Asparagus Pesto
- 1/2 cup toasted walnuts, crushed
Instructions
- Whip together the cream cheese, goat cheese and pesto in a mixer until well blended.
- Place the cheese mixture on plastic wrap and close tight and form into a ball. Refrigerate for 4 hours to firm up.
- Remove from the plastic wrap and roll in the crushed walnuts that are in a bowl for easy coverage.
- Serve with your favorite crackers and celery!!
