‘Cheese-y’ holiday entertaining

Think outside of the box, or the cheese plate, when creating dairy appraisers for your holiday table.

While a cheese plate with crackers are a quick and easy way to serve up dairy products and get the 9 essential nutrients needed in a diet, here are some creative sides to consider.

For the calorie conscious family recipes can easily be lightened by substituting lowfat or nonfat dairy products.

A cheese ball can be served up or shared at a holiday party or given as a unique holiday gift.

Cheese Ball

8 ounces of cream cheese, softened

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 tablespoon dry onion soup mix

½ cup finely chopped nuts

Directions:

Combine cream cheese, Cheddar cheese, Worcestershire sauce, and onion mix in a mixer bowl. Beat until blended, scraping the bowl occasionally. Shape the mixture into a ball or a log. Coat with nuts. Chill. Serve with assorted party crackers. Refrigerate leftovers.

Fruit Dip

1 small jar marshmallow crème

1 8-ounce package of cream cheese

Choice of grapes, watermelon, cantaloupe, apples, or other sliced fruit

Directions:

Let cream set out until soft enough to beat. Beat cream cheese and marshmallow crème together until smooth. Refrigerate ½ hour. Dip fruit.

#PADairyPrincess