When it's a part of the holiday spread, a cheese ball is full of intrigue. You don't want to be the one to break into the dairy sphere, and you keep hoping someone else will pierce it with a cracker.
It's a little-known fact but cheese balls are guaranteed party gold. The solid cousin of spinach and artichoke dip, they fall into the same category as pony beer bottles (7 or 8 oz.) and boxed wine (with the right crowd), all of which convey that you are the kind of host who doesn't care if someone spills wine and understands that party food requires a high fat content.
Your food can impact the mood of your guests, serve as a topic of conversation when the party stalls, and even provide a theme for a
random event. That's why a cheese ball might be the right call this holiday
season.
At least that's the conclusion of food writer Kristin Jackson in an essay for NPR that includes three modern takes on the classic food. "I discovered that cheese balls never go out of style. They just need a makeover," writes Jackson.
Either that or we need a makeover as party guests. The uncomplicated, guilt-inducing food that you grow up with is how you create a memorable spread at your party. It's a chance for you to remember why you run from or towards those dishes, just as an ugly sweater party is a joy to attend. Food should bring us together, even if it simply to acknowledge that making a cheese ball was a mistake.
[Image via Flickr: erin!]
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