Thyme and Goat Cheese Ball

Thyme and Goat Cheese Ball

This time of the year my home turns into a full time football house and I love every single moment. I must admit that it is not because I am watching every play, scrutinizing over Tom Brady’s ankle or even thinking about Favre’s return to the game.

I love half-time shows, watching my hubby and his friends shout at the TV, ice cold beers and making yummy snacks for the game. Over the years, I have tested many appetizer recipes on “The Guys” during a game and have come to the conclusion that they will eat anything while watching a good football game.

Here a few of our favorite recipes that will kick start your next football party and a quick trick for frosting beer glasses.

Herb Roasted Nuts:
1 c. each pecan halves, walnuts, cashews and almonds
1 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh rosemary
1 tsp. dried thyme leaves
1 tsp. dried oregano
1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper
2 Tbsp. brown sugar
2 tsp. sea salt
3 Tbsp. unsalted butter, melted

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spread the nuts on a baking sheet and toast for 10 minutes or until they are lightly golden brown.

2. In a large saucepan, combine the herbs, cayenne, brown sugar, salt and melted butter; cook and stir over medium heat for 1 minute.

3. Add the toasted nuts; cook and stir constantly over medium heat for another few minutes to coat and glaze the nuts. Serve either warm or cooled.

Baked BBQ Wings:
4 pounds party sized chicken wings
2 bottles bbq sauce

1. Wash the chicken and pat dry.

2. Working in a glass baking dish, pour the bbq sauce over the wings and toss to coat, evenly spared the wings and bake at 400 F for an hour or until meat falls off the bone.

Goat Cheese and Thyme Ball:
4 ounces cream cheese
small package of goat cheese
10 ounces grated Swiss cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
2 tablespoons vodka – optional
1/2 cup chopped fresh chives
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
salt to taste
wax paper

1. In a large bowl combine softened cream cheese, goat cheese, pepper, salt, vodka and half of the thyme bland until smooth and creamy.

2. Add the swiss cheese and continue to mix. Place in the refrigerator for 3 hours.

3. Combine in a bowl the chives, remaining thyme and the walnuts. Place a piece of wax paper on your work surface and evenly spread the mixture onto the wax paper.

4. Roll the cheese mixture into 3 in balls (you should get about 3 balls) Roll each ball in thyme, walnut and chive mixture until the ball is top coated. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill until you are ready to serve.

Frost a Beer Glass:
Begin with a clean beer glass, dip the glass in cool water (don’t dry) and place in the freezer for 30 minutes. After 30 you will have a perfectly frosted glasses! Cheers!