I may be biased since I started at a very young age…but teaching your children to cook is crucial to their development. Some kiddos might be happy just knowing how to bake cookies while others brains will expand and you will awaken something creative inside of your child! With that said, I encourage everyone to get their kiddos in a kitchen this summer! Check out my friend, Aubrey Jane Baker. She is a pint sized Cheese Ball Specialist. Aubrey loves to hunt, fish, cook and does a little acting too. I just love her enthusiasm with cooking! Aubrey calls me all the time telling me that she has whipped this or that up in a Cheeseball form. Some of her creations are not so good whereas most are works of gastronomical art. The best part is that she is “thinking” and “creating” with food. Here are 2 of her super 4th of July treats!
Hula Cheese Ball
2 containers cream cheese, softened
1 package Canadian bacon, diced
3 green onions, chopped
1 cup cheddar cheese
1 small can pineapple tidbits, drained well
2 cups pecans, chopped
Mix all ingredients in a large bowl till well combined. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill for 2 hours. Once chilled roll in chopped pecans. Serve with your favorite crackers.
Strawberry Fields Cheese Ring
2 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
3 green onions, chopped
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 cup chopped crisp bacon
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1-2 cups strawberry preserves
In a medium bowl combine the cheddar cheese, green onions, garlic powder, bacon and mayonnaise. Mix well. Then form the mixture into a ring on a plate. Fill the center with strawberry jam. Chill for 2 hours before serving. Serve with your favorite crackers.