Cheese Ball

I make a cheese ball that is very simple, and can be adjusted according to what I'm in the mood for. It is based on an easy main recipe, to which you can add other ingredients to personalize it. All by itself, it's great on garlic melba toast crackers, bagel chips or even celery sticks.

Mrs.W's Cheese Ball

1 8-ounce package cream cheese, softened

2 tablespoons salted butter, at room temperature

1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or cheese of your choice)

Optional ingredients: chopped olives, minced garlic, minced onion, any flavor dry soup mix, worcestershire sauce, or whatever else you can dream up!

Topping options: dried parsley, paprika, chopped nuts, fresh herbs of your choice

With an electric mixer, thoroughly combine all ingredients. Form into a ball and roll in toppings of your choice. (I like a combination of dried parsley and smoked paprika.) Best if refrigerated overnight before serving.

Serve with crackers and celery sticks.

This cheese ball was served at our recent Holiday Open House gathering.