Curried Cheese Ball

Some people think they don't like curry powder; they assume it's spicy--but it's spiced, not spicy. If you have those kinds of guests at a party, just call this a cheese ball and don't mention the curry until after they've eaten a whole bunch and want to know the source of the unbelievable flavor.

Ingredients

• 16 ounces cream cheese, softened 

• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese 

• 1/4 cup chopped dates 

• 1 tablespoon finely chopped sweet onion 

• 1 tablespoon mango chutney (optional) 

• 1 1/2 teaspoons mild curry powder 

• Pinch coarse salt 

• Pinch cayenne pepper (optional) 

• 1 cup chopped unsalted pistachios, toasted, for coating 

• Crackers or crudités, for serving

Instructions

Using a stand mixer or a bowl and a spatula, mix together the cream cheese, cheddar, dates, onion, mango chutney, if using, curry powder, salt, and cayenne, if using, until combined. Form the mixture into a ball and cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight. 

Before serving, roll the cheese ball in the pistachios to coat. 

Serve with crackers or crudités.