Roquefort Date Pecan Cheese Balls

These roquefort date pecan balls are super fast and easy to make but taste like a gourmet's dream. Perfect for a dinner party or as part of a cheese platter at your New Year's Eve party these delicious little bites will became a staple in your hors d'oeuvres repertoire.

Thanks to an awesome giveaway hosted by Natasha over at 5-Star Foodie and sponsored by the folks from Ile de France I was fortunate enough to be one of the winners of a super cheese giveaway. I squealed with delight when the package arrived containing brie, roquefort, camembert, goat cheese and crackers. Poor Thom was despondent when I informed him that he was not permitted to simply scarf down all the cheese immediately but perked up a little when I promised him tasty, tasty cheese hors d'oeuvres.

Roquefort Date Pecan Cheese Balls ~ makes about 30 pieces
6 oz cream cheese, softened
3 oz roquefort
1 cup pecans, finely chopped
1/2 cup chopped dates

Using a fork thoroughly combine the cream cheese and roquefort. Stir in the dates. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to an hour. Using a teaspoon form into balls about a half inch in diameter. Roll in the finely chopped pecans and place on a cookie sheet. Refrigerate until firm, about 2 hours. Serve cold with assorted cheeses, olives, grapes and wine.

Other goodies made with my Ile de France booty include brie baked in puff pastry with quince paste and raspberries and fig and goat cheese spirals.

And the camembert? Well, I had to let Thom... and um... me... devour one thing simply with crackers... and you know what? It was delicious!

Enjoy!