Port Wine Cheese Ball

Who doesn't love a cheese ball?!  This is a favorite family appetizer in my family, the perfect precursor to a later meal or addition to the hors d'oeuvres table at a cocktail party.  This year, half of our out-of-town guests were arriving late Christmas evening, pushing our Christmas supper to well after the traditional dinner hour.  I had this cheese ball on hand to hold us over until everyone had arrived and all the gifts had been unwrapped.  It's equally wonderful for a game night snack or a gift to surprise neighbors or a favorite teacher!  Change up the cheese, dried fruit, herbs, and nuts to make the flavor your own!

1 cup tawny port

1 package cream cheese, softened

1 2-cup package shredded cheddar cheese

1/4 cup dried cherries, chopped

3 tablespoons minced fresh chives, divided

2 teaspoons tawny port

1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg

salt and pepper to taste

3/4 cup chopped pecans

Boil 1 cup tawny port in a small saucepan until reduced to 2 tablespoons.

Combine cream cheese, shredded cheese, cherries, 1 tablespoon chives, remaining 2 teaspoons port, and nutmeg in a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment.  Season with salt and pepper.  Stir port syrup into cheese mixture just to swirl.  Roll into a ball.

Combine pecans and remaining chives and spread on a plate or in a shallow dish.  Roll cheese ball into mixture to coat evenly on all sides.  Wrap in plastic and chill until ready to serve.