Whiskey cheese ball

MAKES 15 TO 20 APPETIZER SERVINGS

1 garlic clove

4 ounces sharp Cheddar, shredded

4 ounces crumbled blue cheese

4 ounces goat cheese

1/2 stick butter, softened

1 tablespoon bourbon

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

Spiced pecans (recipe follows)

Put the garlic in a food processor and process until chopped. Add the cheeses, butter, bourbon and Worcestershire sauce and process until smooth. Spoon out onto a piece of plastic wrap, wrap and chill for 1 hour. Remove from the fridge and pat into a smooth ball, using latex gloves or plastic wrap. Roll in the pecan mixture. Serve with crackers and sliced apples and pears.

Note: Can be made up to 3 days in advance, but hold off on rolling in the pecans until before serving.

1 cup pecans

2 tablespoons butter, melted

1 teaspoon sugar

1 1/2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning

Toss all ingredients together and spread on a cookie sheet. Bake into a 350-degree oven for 20 minutes. Remove, let cool and chop by hand.

Dan Smith, Hearty Boys

Nutrition facts per serving: 175 calories, 16 g fat, 8 g saturated fat, 30 mg cholesterol, 2 g carbohydrates, 6 g protein, 197 mg sodium, 1 g fiber