137.8...Cheese Ball

Last night was Dina’s annual Holiday Party! Everyone is to bring an appetizer to share and it’s always fun seeing what everyone brings. I had to make my appetizer the day before since we weren’t going to be around during the day on Sunday. I decided on a simple Cheese Ball. Sometimes the simple things are the best. 

Cheese Ball (Makes 32 servings)

Recipe adapted from All Recipes 

Ingredients:

2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened 

2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese 

1 (1 ounce) package Ranch-style dip mix

2 medium scallions, chopped

2 cups chopped pecans

4 pecan halves

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, mix together cream cheese, cheddar cheese, dip mix and scallions.

2. Form into one large ball or two smaller balls. Roll in chopped pecans to coat surface. 

3. Decorate the top with pecan halves. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight. 

Printable Recipe 

Thursday night I pulled some Spinach Lasagna out to defrost for dinner. I made a Caesar salad to go with it. 

Friday’s breakfast:

I took the kids to school, then went to the gym. I came home, got dressed and ate a quick lunch.

Leftover taco meat, brown rice, lettuce, cheese, sour cream and hot sauce. 

Then our crazy adventure for the day began. We met some friends at the airport and headed to Levi's Stadium in San Jose for the PAC 12 Championship Game!

We arrived and headed to the PAC 12 tailgate. I honed in on this magical cheese and meat platter:

In the end, Washington beat Colorado but what was most exciting for me was taking this picture with all the PAC 12 mascots:

I realized on the plane back that I didn’t really eat a full meal there. I just snacked off of other people’s plates. Lol. 

It was about 1 AM by the time we got back. Super amazing day but I was glad to go to bed! Saturday morning was a slow start for sure. Breakfast was scrambled eggs with onions and cheddar cheese. 

Somehow I made it to the gym and did some laundry. Lunch was tuna salad, crackers and pickles.

We went to event for my daughter’s class at the school, then to dinner with friends at Pamplemousse Grill. For an appetizer, I ordered the Hamachi Sashimi (tian of hamachi, cucumber, avocado, crispy capers, house-made pickled ginger):

This was so fresh and delicious! 

For my entree, I ordered the Sea Bass with Lobster, Bok Choy and Fried Rice:

Also excellent! 

My husband ordered the Trio of Creme Brûlée for dessert:

I couldn’t let him eat it alone so I helped him out. 

Breakfast Sunday…more scrambled eggs:

We were off to the Chargers vs. Buccaneers game! I had a chicken caesar salad for lunch:

Even thought we lost, I was a winner in my Chargers ugly Christmas sweater. 

We made a quick change when we got home and headed to Dina’s for her party. 

Besides my Cheese Ball, here is a sample of some other goodies:

Another fabulous party Dina!!! 

This morning’s breakfast:

After I did the school drop-off, I went for a run outside. 

I ran some errands and had lunch at Chipotle. 

Salad with chicken, pico de gallo, hot sauce and lots of guacamole. 

Happy Monday!

Have you been to any holiday parties yet?

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