Date, Walnut, and Blue Cheese Ball

1 cup (4 ounces) crumbled blue cheese

8 ounces light cream cheese, softened

1 tablespoon lowfat buttermilk

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 cup minced parsley

2 1/2 tablespoons chopped walnuts

3 tablespoons minced dates

1 minced shallot

1/2 teaspoon lemon zest

1/4 teaspoon salt

1. Place first 3 ingredients in large bowl.  Beat with mixer at medium speed for 2 minutes or until smooth and creamy.  Add dates, shallots, lemon rind, salt and pepper.  Beat at medium speed until well blended.

2. Spoon cheese mixture onto a large sheet of plastic wrap.  Form into a ball using spatula.  Wrap in plastic wrap and chill overnight.

3. Combine parsley and walnuts in a shallow dish.  Unwrap and gently roll the cheese ball in nut mixture,  Place on serving plate.  Serve immediately or refrigerate until serving.

Yield: 14 servings

Cooking Light, November 2010

I made this one for a Thanksgiving appetizer and everyone loved it.  The dates add a nice holiday flavor and the nuts give it a nice texture.  The cream cheese and dates cut the funkiness of the blue cheese for a well-rounded flavor.