On the 9th Day of Christmas …  We’re going to share recipes for easy holiday treats!

I have two cheese ball recipes that you and your guests will love.

First is a ham cheese ball:

1 package cream cheese softened                                                                                            3 green onions chopped fine                                                                                                  6-8 oz ham chopped fine. I prefer smoked or black forest.                                                   1-2 splashes of Worcestershire, more or less to taste

Using a fork, smash & stir all ingredients until they are mixed well. (Optional: You can chop pecans, cashews or almonds and either mix with other ingredients or roll chilled ball in mixture to create a light coating.) Place in decorative bowl or plate and surround with Townhouse, Wheat Thins, or Club crackers.

Next, is a chocolate chip cheese ball. (Yes, I said chocolate, yum yum)

1 package cream cheese softened                                                                                         1/2 cup butter, softened                                                                                                       3/4 cup confectioner sugar                                                                                                      2 Tablespoons light brown sugar                                                                                             1 splash of vanilla                                                                                                             Miniature chocolate chips – light or dark.                                                                                   Chopped pecans, candied pecans, cashews, peanuts or almond                                    Optional: dried cranberries chopped extra fine

Combine the butter and cream cheese, either with a fork or hand mixer, until smooth.  Blend in confectioner sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla.  Next, mix chocolate chips and chopped nuts into the mixture, starting with a small amount and adding more gradually to desired strength.  (Optional chopped cranberries can be added at this time as well) Chill for 2 hours, shape into a ball, then roll in remaining chocolate chips and nuts.  Place in decorative bowl or plate and serve with graham crackers or chocolate wafers.

I hope you and your guests enjoy these yummy snacks.  For today’s contest, tell us what your favorite holiday treat is. Share a recipe if you’d like. Tell your friends to stop by and join in. Everyone who comments will be entered into today’s drawing for a $5 Starbucks gift card.

Yesterday’s winner is Crystal B. I’ve already sent you a link to your gift – the eBook copy of By Love’s Honor Bound.  Congratulations!

Merry Christmas!