I consider myself an optimist. I approach everything with the belief that it will work out well and that fun and hilarity will ensue.
Except for New Year’s Eve.
That’s where I turn into a Christmas Grinch, or more accurately, a New Year’s Grinch. This is a day on which my relentless optimism turns into a hibernating bear and growls and grizzles. Bah humbug I say to New Year’s Eve. You see I feel the pressure to have a good New Year’s Eve and sadly whilst I’ve had some good ones, I’ve never really had a truly mindblowingly spectacular one.
Part of the problem is the great expectations.
I could huddle together with like minded friends as we have in the past-we used to have a spectacular view of four sets of fireworks from our apartment but the magic seemed to elude us every single New Year’s Eve confounded by high expectations or the crazy times that we should be having-why weren’t we wearing crazy glasses and drinking glasses of champagne in the streets when all we wanted to do was eat and sleep? It seemed that while we could always be guaranteed of a wonderful Christmas, NYE joy seemed a little out of our reach.
Perhaps the dullest New Years Eve was the one that had the most pressure associated with it – the year 2000. I had left it to Mr NQN to organise something. This was early on in our relationship and I didn’t realise that if left to organise something, he simply will not organise a thing. We ended up watching a single firework display at Manly Beach and Mr NQN was forever relieved of his organising duties (which he was immensely pleased about).
So in honour of New Years Eve balls, allow me to present you with an item that I have been wanting to make for a few years now, ever since I first read about it in Amy Sedaris‘s book, I Like You: Hospitality Under the Influence. She is famous for her cheese balls and cupcakes and this one is her Lil Smoky Cheese Ball! It’s toasty, crunchy, creamy, smokey and surprisingly good for an item so steeped in kitschness. Have a very cheese call Christmas my lovelies!
So tell me Dear Reader, what will you be doing this New Year’s Eve?
Lil Smokey Cheese Ball
Adapted from I Like You: Hospitality Under the Influence
- 200g shredded smoked gouda cheese or smoked Dutch cheese at room temperature
- 500grams/1 pound cream cheese at room temperature
- 60grams/1/2 stick butter at room temperature
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 2 teaspoons steak sauce (Amy uses A1 steak sauce)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
- 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans or hazelnuts)
- Serve with crackers
1. In the bowl of an electric mixer fixed with a paddle attachment add both the cheeses, butter, milk, steak sauce and chives and beat together until smooth and amalgamated. Tear off a large sheet of cling film and line a bowl with it and fill with the cheese mixture and cover up with the cling film. Refrigerate overnight until firm.
2. The next day toast the nuts in a frypan on medium heat until they start to become fragrant (about 5-8 minutes). Wait until completely cool and arrange nuts so that they are spread evenly across the bottom of the pan. Have a serving plate ready. Carefully remove the cling film from the cheese ball and roll it in the chopped nuts until all of the sides are covered with chopped nuts. Serve with crackers of chopped vegetables and marvel at how kitsch and fabulous the whole cheese ball idea is.
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57 Comments | Add your own
What’s not to love?? This looks deliciously creamy, crispy, cheesy and nutty…heaven!
How simple and delicious! Our NYEs are always low-key, much better that way, fewer expectations. Now, Chinese NYE, that’s a different story…
I will share it… perfect for a stay-at-home New Years. Mine will be simple with Dr. Lostpast and good wine and beef… this is a great beginning and Amy Sedaris is a huge hoot… bet it is delish!
Have a great NYears, dear Lorraine… you have a great year with a book coming out to look forward to… 2011.. you go girl!
I think you and I are married to the same man. If I ask hubby to organise something if he thinks about it, he believes it is organised.
I know why New Years is a fizzer for you… it is the lack of alcohol. You mentioned you had only ever had one hangover. A mindblowing New Years eve creates a mind numbing hangover… so I think you may be on the winning side of New Years.
Say cheese!! Click!! Awesome mix of cheeses and nuts impossible to turn bad – really splendid recipe
Happy New Year Soon!
Cheers,
Gera
Phwoarrr! Sadly, no smoked cheese in the fridge means no cheeseball for breakfast… xxx
Probably making a cheese ball.
I think you mean’t to say “fun & hilarity will ensue” (i’m picky with my words, just like my food!)
Now you’ve made me a New Year Grinch too…I have a feeling I will not be getting a cheese ball on NY eve, so now I say, Bah! Hamburg!
Ah, NYE is the most overrated event ever, in my opinion. Cheese ball looks pretty darn good though.
LOL – entertaining under the influence sounds like a grand idea. I am staying with my Mum, and every year, we reliably sleep through NYE.
The best New Year’s Eve we had was seeing in the new Millenium, we had a fancy dress party to conquer all fancy dress parties. Everyone was in the right mood ( no Grinches allowed lol) and the games,prizes , music and food kept everyone happy.
In contrast, this year we’ll be at home baby-sitting, the joys of grand-parenthood
GAH! What is it with boys and not organising anything? When we first moved back to Melbourne, I left it up to James to organise my birthday party. Mostly because 90% of our friends were “his” friends still at that point and I felt awkward about it. Of course he organises nothing, and texts people day-of to come to a bar for drinks. By that point, EVERYONE is busy and only ONE person shows up. Woohoo. Needless to say I’ve never let him organise a party again.
Was NOT going to comment again! BUT! My darling father taught me early in the piece to stay sober and go to bed early on New Year’s Eve – then get up on the 1st of January and do a whole day’s worth of productive work without having to run for an aspirin every four hours! The rest of the year would follow suit. Thank God, both husbands #1 and #2 have felt the same way – we have ‘sneaked out’ of many a party around 10pm and gone home to more pleasurable pursuits without checking the watch every two minutes – how much longer to go!! So, here is another New Year Grinch (?)- hello! Am having a drink or three early on in the evening with good friends and true and going home to Maeve O’Meara and Rick Stein DVDs. Happy New Year!!
Love a good cheese ball! My sister often makes one so I’ll be forwarding this to her
ah the new years eve dilemma – the hype is just too much isn’t it! I had some interesting ones when younger but they never lived up to the expectation – 2000 was a low for me too but since my expectations have lowered my enjoyment has increased – love your smoky ball – happy new year – hope it is a good one this year!
mmmmmmmm cheese.
Methinks this will be perfect.
This new years MPS and I will be spending a quiet one alone with Boo. It is our wedding anniversary too.
I am pretty sure we will be asleep by 11.
Heh.
My favourite NYE was 1999/2000 when my husband proposed at a cottage in the Blue Mountains. This year we are staying in and I’m making gazpacho and paella.
Aaahhhh yes. NYE expectationitis is a difficult one to cure at times I agree. I do believe I’ve suffered from it myself over the years…. but..BUT… over the last few years I’ve taken the bull by the horns (well…metaphorically speaking)& planned it myself. This year I’ve coerced (heheheee
my girlfriends to work on their guys in sneaky & underhand ways & together we are all meeting up at Jamie Olivers Fifteen in Melbourne then off to a rooftop bar to view the fireworks. Cannot wait 
I’ve always loved cheese balls but this one takes the “cake” – it looks spectacular! I will be at the Waverton Bowling Club with friends this NYE. In the past I’ve been very fortunate to have a friend who used to live in Highgate and we’d spend the night there, with three or four course meals and the most wonderous views of the fireworks, from Darling Harbour around to Garden Island, with the Bridge & Opera House thrown in for good value. Ah, what a shame she moved to Qld, but honestly it’s the people you spend that time with who really make the evening special. Try to enjoy NQN
This is absolutely lovely, Lorraine, the smokey flavor sounds divine. And I completely agree with you about New Year’s Eve…it always feels a little bit nostalgic, a little surreal (another year gone…really?!), and a little anticlimactic. Ah well, cheers to another year, darling, lol!
Yes NYE has too much pressure associated with it. Really it is just another night – we usually do something really low key – eat something nice – watch the fireworks on the telly.
Cannot cope with a) being ripped off eating out, or b) the crowds, or c) sitting for hours to get the best position for the fireworks – life is so much better at home with the family!
I don’t know, blog about something? My mom is going to attend a friend’s wedding, so it is going to be a quiet new year’s eve. and my sister is back in melbourne.
i guess it is just me and my dad.
Naught to do with delish cheese balls or New Year. This ‘stupid child’ just discovered the NQN computer backdrops available – yes, well, some of us ARE slow!! The ones picked are from the savoury side and I am thrilled and laughing and unless you put better ones on, they’ll stay there awhile! Good morning every morning, NQN, and thank you! Have fun!
Oh, I’m completely the same! I hate how NYE is all about “having” to have fun. Normally, I’d be happy to just avoid the whole shebang and stay home with friends/family, but this year I’m going to have drinks and hopefully fun with some good, but not too drunken-raucous, friends. Wish me luck!
Although smoked cheese has never been my favourites, this looks really delicious! We’ll be spending NYE in Finland!
Well… I could do your cheese ball… i love everything cheese
I have kids so we are not going out partying like there is no tomorrow, that’s for sure, but we may have a quiet time playing scrabble, drinking bubbles and eating lentils (Italian Tradition).
The fireworks here in Auckland are usually pathetic, they are better in my village, which only has 1800 souls!!!
happy new year
Alessandra
We never do anything on new years. just sleep in ! But my favorite party was the one just before I got married. I danced like crazy the entire night and I don’t even drink! The cheese ball is calling me…
Happy New Year, Mr and Mrs NQN!!
SSG xxx
Just wanted to say thank you for your contribution to foodies for 2010. To end on a cheese ball recipe confirms my delight! Is there ever enough cheese related recipes…? NOOOOO! I look forward to your blog in 2011. Happy New Year! My family is Ukrainian and our tradition is to be careful of how you spend your New Years Day because that is how you will spend the rest of that year! For my family it will involve spending time with loved ones eating good food! Best Wishes!
I appreciate a good cheese ball, and almost always make at least one during the holidays. (Am I giving away my age here?) This one sounds wonderful with it’s smoky, nutty goodness. As for New Year’s Eve, we generally have a quiet evening with friends. I like them to come to my house because I hate going out in the cold that late at night to go home.
hello love, happy holidays!! I am the same way, New Year’s seem to just be a bore at our house, oh well at least we can enjoy great food..a cheese ball would be perfect and I think my would get a kick out of it!! take care
sweetlife
I’m not big on NYE either but it is a great excuse to party and EAT, even if it’s at home in my pjs!
I had thought of having some family and friends over for a meal and goodies, but my massive TMJ pain (basically it’s jaw pain because my jaw is not in the right place) means I will probably tuck myself into bed with my painkillers and the dog fairly early. But happy new year to all, however you celebrate. (Or not)!
Yes, NYE’s are often an anti-climax. If I made this cheeseball, however it would truly be a grand night! This year we’re doing it v low key. prawn pasta + vietnam travel planning (we leave in just over a week!) + some Moet we have been saving. A blissful night in.
Heidi xo
I’m not a NYeves fan either. I think the image we have of happy party goers are actually just silly drunks who will start the New Year off in bed feeling awful. I vote for an early night, then a New Years Brunch on January first to welcome in the year in more civilised manner.
hi lorraine, still waiting for your reply about adriano zumbo’s photos…pls contact via email or what’s app, thanks! Happy New year!
ps.
venuspurnama at nextmedia dot com
I am not a New Years Eve fan. I like the shows that are on tv, but we rarely make it to midnight to see the ball in Time Square in New York drop on tv. We like to see it done in East Coast time (three hours earlier) then if we’re really tired, we can go to sleep, get woke by the neighbors fireworks and firecrackers at midnight and go back to sleep. As far as dinner goes, it is regular food for us. Boring, maybe, but enjoy it. My husband is a doll and loves to cook, so he makes most of our meals.
HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU, LORRAINE AND TO YOUR HUBBY!!
This New years eve i’ll be spending it inbetween basting the lamb spit and being a headless chook, since xmas was a mild affair, it seems all the “familia”have aligned their itennaries to spend it with us.
I gave up years ago on wishing for an exciting,New Year spectacular-for some reason, after Xmas,the “festive spirit” turns pear-shape and all I look forward to is the possibility of having the dishes and mess cleaned up before midnite .
Lorraine, every year I bake a vasilopita, it is a traditional cake( orange) made especially to slice on new years day(at the stroke of 12)
Inside the cake there is a coin wrapped in foil, and whom ever ends up with it their slice is given a little gift.
This year I shall designate a slice for you-I have a feeling luck just might come your way!!!
Ps the cheese ball looks mouth watering, something I plan to make on cheese fare week before the easter lent starts!!
Best wishes Lorraine and Mr NQN and all the NQN faithful!!!
Here’s to 2011!!!
That is one amazing sounding cheese ball. I love the gruyere and the steak sauce. It sounds so robust and yet, nice enough for company.
I think my nye will be spent at home, alone with an Indian take away.
I’m cool with that
This is just gorgeous Lorraine…drop dead gorgeous! I’ll like to dig into this on New Year. I’m so glad you made something savoury…mmm! NY is going to be quite, at home, with good food & maybe a good dessert! Happy New Year you lovely creature…warm wishes to Mr NQN too! xo
I must admit our NYEs are usually pretty tame and I don’t mind a bit. Though we’re only in our mid-20s, the boy and I are both pretty introverted. We simply like to spend an enjoyable evening laughing and eating with friends with some champagne to mark the occasion. I bet this delectable sounding cheese ball would make a splendid addition to our mild festivities, though. Happy New Year!
My New Year’s Eves are never spectacular. For the arrival of 2000, I was ill and in bed and celebrated a week later with a nice restaurant meal. I love that Amy Sedaris book–so funny. And, the smoked gouda cheese ball sounds great! Happy 2011 to you!
I’ve never seen anything quite like this.
Season’s greetings and best wishes for a very happy new year.
I’m with you on the NYE Grinch train. I love celebrations but somehow NYE is always a disappointment.
We have a lunch tradition at an ocean-side restaurant for NY day every year and I’m always a lot more excited for that. It’s always more fun too!
Mmmmmmm looks lovely!! I just want to attack it with some crackers hehehe
Either ways, as long as you get to spend it with your loved ones and have Mr NQN around for the New Years Kiss, that should make it all better hehehe! Have a great one! Can’t wait to read more of your food adventures in 2011 
Maybe this year will be different
I just posted a cheeseball as well! Came on here for salty pretzel choccie thingy! Cant believe you never stop girl! Happy New Year!
HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!! I’m going to a house party where drinking in excess is a must and not knowing when midnight is and then reliving the countdown as often as we feel necessary is what it will all be about.
i’m seeing cheese balls everywhere i look these days–they seem to be the thing to make this year-end. i turn my nose up at most recipes, but i might actually deign to use my crackers on this one!
I think maybe the world famous Sydney fireworks may have lead to your over the top expectations for NYE. 2010 may be a hard year to top for you, but I’m wishing that 2011 is even better. xoxo Mum
That’s one umami-filled cheese ball. YUM! Wishing you a cheesy New Year, as you’ve beat the rest of us and already had your celebration in that part of the world.
Urgh, isn’t NYE always a giant let down? The best kind are the ones spent at home with loved ones, reflecting on the joys of the past year and the optimism of all that the next may bring us.
As for myself, my flight from Australia was delayed by two days and I spent New Year’s Eve flying back to England. As a result, no matter how hard I tried, I fell asleep by 10pm and missed the entire thing! Today is being spent in blissful hibernation/ recovery mode, and catching up on your lovely blog!
Wishing you a truly wonderful 2011 darling!
Briony xx
My NYE never seems to work out, this year wasn’t much better.
A ball of cheese sounds wonderful! I agree with New Years, there’s always this expectation that you have to have something great planned. I now think the best thing to do is have a really nice meal somewhere with just your partner, or a few close friends.
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