I make this cheese ball recipe for New Year’s Eve every year without fail. I got the recipe from my sister Marilyn Sue Marlow Gerlach and it always brings back very fond memories of the very first New Year’s Eve party I ever attended. I was staying with my sister and her husband Willis, as I often did when I was a kid. I was so excited when I learned that they would be hosting a couples party for New Year’s Eve. Before that time, the only NYE events I had ever attended had been rather somber events at our church. Nice, but not exactly festive! My memories of that NYE party are a little hazy, but I definitely recall a Christmas tree, music on the record player and a pretty buffet table, featuring this cheese ball and chips and dip. By the way, that was my first experience with chip dip! It was love at first bite, starting an affair that continues to this day.

This cheese ball recipe is very adaptable, blending well with a variety of stir-ins. I like to add finely chopped red and green pepper, but you can also add finely chopped ham, onion or any other ingredients you like.

Easy Cheese Ball

• 1 stick butter, softened
• 8-ounce package cream cheese, softened
• 1 teaspoon garlic salt
• Finely chopped pecans

Blend butter, cream cheese and garlic salt until thoroughly combined. Roll in chopped pecans to coat. Garnish with paprika or chopped parsley. Let stand at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving for easier spreading.