CHEESE BALL WITH STRAWBERRY PRESERVES RECIPES

Steps:

• Toast pecans in a large skillet over medium-high heat until fragrant and slightly browned. Remove pecans from skillet to cool. Set aside a few tablespoons to garnish the cheese ring before serving if desired.
• Shred cheese then add to a large mixing bowl. Add grated onion, mayo, cayenne pepper and toasted pecans then mix until thoroughly incorporated.
• Spoon cheese mixture onto a serving plate then shape into a ring. This isn’t as hard as it sounds – I easily shape mine using a rubber spatula. Cover with plastic wrap then refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
• Remove cheese ring from refrigerator 30 minutes before serving. When ready to serve, sprinkle reserved pecans on top of ring then spoon strawberry preserves into the center of the ring. Serve with crackers.

Steps:

• In a large bowl, combine the eggs, schmaltz, stock, matzo meal, nutmeg, ginger and parsley. Season with 1 teaspoon salt and a few grinds of pepper. Gently mix with a whisk or spoon. Cover and refrigerate until chilled, about 3 hours or overnight.
• To shape and cook the matzo balls, fill a wide, deep pan with lightly salted water and bring to a boil. With wet hands, take some of the mix and mold it into the size and shape of a Ping-Pong ball. Gently drop it into the boiling water, repeating until all the mix is used.
• Cover the pan, reduce heat to a lively simmer and cook matzo balls about 30 to 40 minutes for al dente, longer for light. If desired, the cooked matzo balls can be transferred to chicken or vegetable soup and served immediately. Alternatively, they may be placed on a baking sheet and frozen, then transferred to a freezer bag and kept frozen until a few hours before serving; reheat in chicken or vegetable soup or broth.