Cheese ball!

I have two New Year's food traditions: Black Eye Peas and a Cheese Ball.

Here's the recipe I used for the cheese ball from Paula Deen's The Lady and Sons Cookbook.

Strawberry Cheese Ring

16 oz. sharp Cheddar cheese, grated

One 3 oz. package cream cheese, softened

3/4 cup mayonnaise

1 small onion, chopped

1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts

1/2 tsp. garlic salt or powder

Cayenne pepper to taste (omitted)

1 cup strawberry preserves

Ritz crackers

Combine all ingredients except preserves and crackers in a food processor or electric mixer. Mix thoroughly and refrigerate for 2-3 hours. Scoop mixture onto a platter and mold into a ring formation (place a sheet of wax paper between your hands and the mixture to prevent melting and stickiness). Spread strawberry preserves into the center of the ring and serve with crackers.
 
Sooo good!  I started making it last NYE.  If you like pimento cheese, you will like the spread.  It is easy to over indulge on this one!

 If you've never made black eye peas, it is extremely simple.  Buy a one pound bag and soak the dry peas overnight.  Drain and rinse peas.  Over with 6-8 cups of hot water and bring to a simmer.  I simmer it all day, adding more water.  I add boneless pork chops that have been cut into cubes about halfway through the day.  Add salt and pepper to taste.  This is NOT a good crock pot recipe; best to use the stove top.  Serve with cornbread and butter.  The peas and pork form a stew and I like to top with chopped, raw onion.  The stew is even better the next day.  The stew thickens in the fridge and is delicious reheated.

My mamasita taught us this recipe and it's a favorite for me and sis.  xxoo Mommie!