Christmas Yumminess: Grandma Lehrman's Cheese Ball

I’ll be honest: I don’t ever remember Grandma making this…but that’s because I only remember celebrating Christmas with her one time—back in 1996—and I was only 7 years old (because chese balls and who made them are not very important to 7-year-olds....)   Ahh, that Christmas in ‘96 stands out in my mind…hanging with my cousins {playing Mario and Donkey Kong}, aunts and uncles and grandmas being around, going ice skating, snow, a real Christmas tree {I think that was the first and maybe even the only time we had a real tree}… Yes, that is one of my favorite Christmases.

Anyway,  we’ve made this cheese ball recipe practically every year… I’ve tried other cheese balls, but this one always is still the winner!  I think it is the pineapple in it that makes it unique.  I think you’ll agree once you also try it.  

Grandma Lehrman’s Christmas Cheese Ball

2 – 8oz. packages cream cheese
1 c. cooked pineapple, drained and squeezed dry (I usually just use a clean dishtowel)
2 t. minced onion
2 t. red pepper flakes
1-2 t. Lawry’s seasoned salt (Do not put in the full amount without first tasting it—you may prefer more or less salt that the amount called for here.)
1/2 – 1 c. pecans or walnuts, chopped

Combine all ingredients except for the nuts and shape into a ball.  Chill.

Roll in nuts (or “pat on the nuts” is what I usually end up having to do.)

Serve with your favorite crackers and enjoy!