Smoked Meat Cheese 'Foot' Ball

1h refrigeration

Ingredients

125 g Lesters smoked meat, finely chopped (reserve 1 Tbsp for garnish)

2 pickles, finely chopped

5 green onions, chopped (reserve 1 teaspoon for garnish)

1 package of cream cheese (250 g), softened

1 cup shredded orange and white cheddar cheese

1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

1 slice processed cheese ‘singles’ (for garnish)

½ tsp garlic powder

¼ tsp salt

¼ tsp pepper

Crostini and/or crackers for serving

In a large bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, smoked meat, pickles, green onions, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Use a spatula or clean hands to combine everything thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
Shape the mixture into a football shape, ensuring it is compact and evenly formed for the best visual result.
Place the football-shaped cheese ball on a plate and refrigerate for 1 hour to allow it to firm up and hold its shape.
Remove it from the refrigerator and sprinkle the surface with a bit of the reserved smoked meat and chopped green onions for a decorative touch.
Cut a long strip from the slice of orange cheese to represent the center seam of the football. Cut three shorter strips to form the laces. Arrange these on top of the cheese ball to create a realistic football design.
Place the cheese ball in the center of a serving platter and surround it with crostini pretzels or your favorite crackers.