Cheese Ball with Pignoli Nuts

 

The cheese ball is notorious for holiday celebrations, however, is a perfect any time.  Why not add it to your next charcuterie board.  With the roasted pignoli nuts, it makes an impressive presentation. 

• 2 8oz packages of cream cheese,  room temperature 
• 4 oz of Mascarpone cheese, room temperature 
• ¼ c pesto 
• ½ c parmesan cheese 
• toasted pignoli nuts 
• basil and sun dried tomatoes for garnish

In food processor mix together pesto and 3 cheeses and blend till completely mixed. 

Line a round bowl with plastic wrap, place basil and sun dried tomatoes on bottom.   Place cheese mixture into bowl.   Press it down firmly and refrigerate for four hours.   Remove from bowl, take off wrap, place on platter and press pine nuts on the outside of cheese ball.   Serve with croustini, crackers and/or fresh raw vegetables.