Searching for something unique to take to a holiday get together or serve on a holiday buffet? Why not try this quick and easy Curried Snowman Cheeseball? It looks impressive enough that it can be used as a centerpiece, or can stand alone as an appetizer to snack on while guest are arriving. The curry flavor is subtle, and is complemented by the peanuts, raisins, and coconut. Mango chutney, which is available in jars, adds a sweetness that is unusual, but absolutely delicious.

Although it looks complicated, the snowman can be mixed in under 5 minutes; it takes only an additional 10 to 15 minutes to shape and decorate. It’s even easy enough for kids to help. Busy cooks will appreciate the fact that this cheeseball can be made a couple of days ahead.

2 8 oz. packages cream cheese, softened
1 cup small curd cottage cheese or ricotta cheese
1 tablespoon curry powder
1 bunch green onion, thinly sliced
3/4 cup dry roasted peanuts, chopped
1/2 cup golden raisins
1/4 cup flaked coconut

Decorations:
1/2 cup flaked coconut
1 mini carrot
1 cherry tomato
3 green onions
1 bell pepper, orange, yellow, or green
5 black olives

1 12 oz. jar mango chutney

1. Whip the cream cheese, cottage or ricotta cheese, and curry powder until smooth. Stir in the green onions, peanuts, golden raisins, and 1/4 cup coconut.


2. Spoon about half of the mixture in one large mound at the bottom of a serving tray.


3. Spoon two-thirds of the remaining mixture above the large ball to form the middle of the snowman. The snowman will be lying down on the tray – not stacked up-- since the mixture is quite soft.


4. Spoon the remaining mixture above the medium ball to form the snowman’s head.


5. Use a rubber scraper or spoon to smooth each of the mounds into balls that resemble a snowman.


6. Sprinkle the 1/2 cup coconut over the snowman and press it onto the three balls to completely cover.


7. With a small knife, make one end of the carrot into a point for the nose; press it into the middle of the head.


8. Cut a piece of the cherry tomato into a smile shape for the mouth and press it into the head just under the carrot nose.


9. Use the green part of one green onion for the scarf, one part to go around the neck (tuck around the neck and push each end under the cheeseball to secure), then another part to hang down. (Use a sharp knife to slit the end several times to look like fringe.)


10. Cut two of the green onions into 4” lengths, including the white part, for the arms, slicing a half inch or so into the white ends 2 or 3 times and soaking in ice water to make them curl slightly; push the green ends into the middle section.


11. Cut a large square from the bell pepper for the hat and a 1/2" wide rectangle for the hat brim; press onto the head of the snowman.


12. Use olive slices for the eyes and buttons; the ends make good eyes and the middles with larger holes make better buttons.


13. After decorating, cover the snowman with plastic wrap and chill well.


14. Serve with the chutney and assorted crackers.

Amount Per Serving
Calories 175 Calories from Fat 100
Percent Total Calories From: Fat 57% Protein 9% Carb. 34%

Nutrient Amount per Serving
Total Fat 11 g
Saturated Fat 6 g
Cholesterol 26 mg
Sodium 120 mg
Total Carbohydrate 15 g
Dietary Fiber 1 g
Sugars 0 g
Protein 4 g

Vitamin A 25% Vitamin C 6% Calcium 0% Iron 4%