The Covered Dish - Cranberry-Orange Cheese Ball

Over a year ago I read a recipe for a cranberry cheese ball.   I liked the idea, and it’s taken me a year to write my own rendition.  As appetizers go, I’m not a fan of ‘large’ calorie packed appetizers before a meal.  It can take away from the dinner you may have slaved over all day!   So, normally I truly go the simple route using fruits, nuts and cheese in appetizers before meals.  Sometimes it can be as easy as sliced cheese, grapes and crackers.  In the heat of the summer, it may become fresh melons.  Jump to the fall and I’ll do a platter of sliced pears with Manchego cheese, topped with warm honey and chopped pecans or walnuts.  Yes, it can be messy, but it’s oh so good, not to mention you could also serve it for dessert!
I may have to jump away from writing to listen to the National Anthem at the Chiefs game today.  Those of us from the Branson area are very proud to have the Haygood Family singing today.   The nation is in for a royal treat, we heard the rendition here on Friday, I’ve got goosebumps, I’m so proud of the sound you are going to hear.   Throw in the fact I’m a music teacher/vocalist myself, you will know how picky I can be with my musical ‘expectations’.
The cheese ball today has traveled into a new direction, especially for those tied to a more traditional style.  However, I think you will enjoy the flavors on your palate, and the freshness the spread creates.  I would reach for a fresh pretzel with this spread, or a pretzel cracker.  You’ll have your own ideas, but the pretzel is my first choice.   
How would I present the appetizer?  Rolled in additional chopped pecans, surrounded by sliced oranges and your choice of cracker.  Again; we are keeping this simple in order to save room for a full dinner with dessert!  Another good thing about this appetizer direction is everything can be made a day or two in advance.  This takes more pressure off the cook, so they are able to enjoy the evening along with the guests.  UT OH, gotta’ dash, be right back!  (That was one great National Anthem!)
I’ve noticed over the years of entertaining, how important it is to plan menus that are not time intensive and overly demanding.  The main reason is because the chef cannot enjoy themselves as they are too busy in the kitchen.   My husband, Ervin, was the first to note this when we were first married.  For some reason we felt like we needed to ‘grill’ every time we entertained.  After a few nice dinners Ervin requested that he not be tied to the grill.  He felt like he was ignoring our guests, and he missed out on the conversations.  It didn’t take me too long to come to the same conclusion.  I’m also much more open to allowing guests to bring dishes and beverages to the meal.  In other words, I learned to give up a little control!!!
Let’s set the recipe and enjoy something new for the next football game.  Simply Yours, The Covered Dish.

Cranberry-Orange Cheese Ball
2 (8 ounce) pkgs, softened cream cheese
1/2 cup chopped dried craisins, use a knife
4 green onions, with the tops, chopped fine
1/2 cup chopped pecans
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 teaspoon white pepper
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon seasoning salt
2 tablespoons orange juice, I used the zested orange
Orange Zest, implemented zest from 1/2 of a large orange
Additional chopped pecans to rolls the cheese ball in, if desired
After softening the cream cheese, prepare all the remaining ingredients.  The craisins will chop, and it’s easier with a large chef knife.   I did not desire mushed cranberries that a food processor may have made.  The cheddar cheese simply helps to give more body to the cheese ball.  
Softening cream cheese in the microwave can sometimes render poor outcomes.  Today I softened mine at 3 minutes, power level 3.  It was perfect, but remember they all differ.   Refrigerate the cheese spread after you are sure it is blended well.  This will help it to firm up before you make it into a ball.  
Pretzels or pretzel crackers were used in the dipping, but each cook may come up with something different.