The Classic Italian Blitzkrieg Ball Recipes

WIGGLY JIGGLY CRYSTAL BALL

Steps:

• For the gelatin: In a large, deep bowl, combine the gelatins. Pour the boiling water over the mixture and sir until completely dissolved. Refrigerate for 1 1/2 hours or until partially set.
• Meanwhile, prepare the cosmic fruit: Cut cantaloupe, watermelon, and honeydew into stars and moon shapes. Press the fruit into the partially set gelatin, then refrigerate for 4 hours or until set.
• Place the bowl in a pan of hot water to loosen the gelatin from the sides, then invert onto a wizard-like platter.

THE CLASSIC ITALIAN BLITZKRIEG BALL

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
• Saute the garlic and onions over medium heat until the onions are translucent. Set aside and let cool.
• Combine the parsley, ricotta, 1/4 cup Parmesan, the salt, oregano and pepper in a bowl. Add the onion and garlic mixture with the beef, breadcrumbs, eggs and carrots. Mix gently by hand, being careful not to over-mix.
• Roll out 21 meatballs by hand and arrange on a baking sheet. Bake for 30 minutes. Meanwhile, heat the marinara sauce in a saucepan.
• Arrange the meatballs on a platter and top with the marinara sauce and remaining Parmesan.

CAULIFLOWER CHEESE BALL

Steps:

• In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the shallow and cook until soft, about 3 minutes. Add the cauliflower rice and cook until tender, about 4 minutes. Season with 1/2 teaspoon each salt and pepper.
• Transfer the cauliflower rice mixture to a bowl along with the cream cheese, cheddar, Parmesan and Worcestershire sauce. Beat with a mixer until smooth, then cover and chill until firm.
• Roll the cheese mixture into a ball, then roll in toasted almonds, pressing gently to coat. Serve with crudites and crackers.

BIZZY IZZY HIGH BALL

Steps:

• Combine 2 dashes of lemon juice, 2 teaspoons pineapple syrup and 3/4 ounce each sherry wine and rye or bourbon whiskey in a shaker with ice; shake until cold. Strain into a glass filled with ice. Garnish with a lemon slice.

STARBUCKS-INSPIRED MEDICINE BALL

Steps:

• Heat 1 1/4 cups water and the lemonade in a small saucepan over medium heat until simmering. (Alternatively, combine water and lemonade in a large microwave-safe container and microwave on high for 3 minutes.) Remove from the heat and add all the tea bags. Cover and steep the tea bags for 4 minutes. Remove and discard the tea bags, then stir in the honey if using. Pour into 2 mugs and serve each with a slice of lemon.

NAME THIS DISH CHEESE BALL

Steps:

• Cook the bacon in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until just starting to crisp but still pliable, about 5 minutes. Remove 1 slice to a paper towel-lined plate. Continue cooking the remaining bacon until browned and crisp, 2 to 3 more minutes; remove to the plate. Halve the slice of less-cooked bacon lengthwise. Finely chop the remaining bacon.
• Beat the cream cheese in a large bowl with a mixer on medium-high speed until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes. Add the cheddar, scallions, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, a pinch of salt and the chopped bacon; beat until combined. Refrigerate until slightly firm, about 30 minutes.
• Form the cheese mixture into 3 balls (about 2 inches, 2 1/2 inches and 3 inches). Refrigerate until firm, at least 30 more minutes.
• Meanwhile, freeze the Monterey jack cheese 1 hour (this will make it less clumpy when grated). Grate the cheese on the small holes of a box grater. Gently press all over the cheese balls to coat completely. Put the 3-inch cheese ball on a small serving plate; insert a 4-inch wooden skewer into the middle. Stack the 2 1/2-inch and 2-inch balls on top, securing on the skewer.
• Press the currants into the top cheese ball for eyes; add a carrot nose. Use the halved bacon to make a scarf and add rosemary sprigs for arms. Place the pretzel crisp on top for a hat brim. Cut off about one-third of the olive so that it sits flat; place on top of the pretzel crisp for the hat. Serve with more pretzel crisps.