The Covered Dish - Pineapple Cheeseball

Like many of you, it is my favorite time of the year. Campfires, hayrides, pumpkin and apple ‘everything’, you just cannot beat the fall season! My spouse says ‘Fall’ means FOOTBALL, and fun foods for gatherings. I think about chili, homemade pizzas, chili dogs, baked goods and simple tailgate foods. Today I even found some fun recipes for fall, one was a hoot owl made from an Oreo, this one I am making! I did try a new recipe that I’ll talk about and when I’ve made it again. It’s the recipe on line with the cabbage round on the bottom followed by a burger and topping. It is definitely doable.
Besides the cheese ball recipe let’s see if I can’t bring a tip or two into our conversation this week. I’ve made this cheese ball for many years and one comment I frequently get is how refreshing it is. One thing I may consider down the road is switching the green pepper to a red pepper. Green peppers are hard for those with reflux issues. I don’t think the flavor change will be that drastic. To bring in ‘green’ go with finely chopped green onions, I too cannot eat raw onions, but for some reason green onions are milder. A red or yellow pepper will be sweeter than the green.
Serve the cheese spread with a strong cracker as a chip will be too weak. I think a bowl of fresh cut pineapple would be good to serve alongside. Another thought might be the implementation of ham somewhere, because pineapple and ham mutually flatter. How about pinwheels with thin ham/cheddar and spinach on the inside? For a main entree I like the idea of a corn/ham/potato chowder. Add another fruit with the fresh pineapple, maybe red and green grapes. (Always on sale at Aldi) Dessert? You are on your own for that one.
I’m more simplistic so homemade cookies sound divine.
Probably my biggest tip is when you are baking in the kitchen use parchment paper. Not only will you be pleased with the outcome of the baked good, you’ll also keep your bakeware in good condition. Boiling eggs for deviled eggs? I can never remember this tip, but it is a good one. Flip the eggs over a few hours before boiling to center the yolks within the white.
Cheese tip: I still use pre-shredded cheese within my home, but I prefer to grate block cheese. The flavor is better and there’s no additives in what you are eating.
Enjoy the easy recipe and have an outstanding week. The Covered Dish.

Pineapple Cheeseball
2 (8 oz.) pkgs softened cream cheese
8 ozs. drained crushed pineapple
1 green pepper finely diced
1⁄2 -1 teaspoon seasoning salt
1 small pkg. finely chopped pecans
(Can put inside cheeseball or roll the cheeseball in it.)
May add a small amount of finely diced onion.
The mixture will make 2 medium sized cheeseballs. As indicated above the nuts can be put inside the cheeseball or they could be rolled in the nut meal. If food allergies are an issue with nuts roll the cheese mix into chopped parsley or try finely crushed pretzels!