Aged Cheddar And Port Cheese Balls Recipe

Ingredients

1/4 cup ruby port

1 cup plus 2 tablespoons cream cheese, room temperature

8 ounces aged cheddar cheese, grated (2 cups)

1 cup sliced almonds, toasted and coarsely ground

Preparation

Bring port to a simmer in a small saucepan over low heat. Cook until reduced by about half, 4 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat, and let cool.

Pulse 3/4 cup cream cheese and the cheddar in a food processor until smooth. Transfer to a large bowl. Pulse remaining 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons cream cheese with reduced port in food processor until smooth. Gently stir port mixture into cheddar mixture using a wooden spoon until just swirled together. Refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour.

Transfer almonds to a plate. Shape cheese mixture into 3 balls of various sizes; roll each in almonds to coat. Let cheese balls come to room temperature before serving.