AVOCADO GOAT CHEESE TRUFFLES

Avocado Goat Cheese Truffles image

Give guests the VIP treatment with luxurious truffles you can make in your own kitchen. The goat cheese is mild, and red pepper heats up each bite just a bit. Crackers are the perfect accompaniment. -Roxanne Chan, Albany, California

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 45m

Yield 4 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 14

Ingredients

1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
1/4 cup fresh goat cheese
1 garlic clove, minced
1 teaspoon grated lime zest
1 teaspoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 green onion, minced
1 tablespoon minced fresh cilantro
3 medium ripe avocados, peeled
1 tablespoon lime juice
2 cups salted pumpkin seeds or pepitas, finely chopped
Pretzel sticks, optional

Steps:

In a small bowl, beat cheeses, garlic, lime zest, oil, chili powder and pepper flakes until blended. Stir in onion and cilantro. Refrigerate 1 hour or until firm., With a small melon baller, scoop out avocado balls onto a baking sheet; sprinkle with lime juice. Shape 1-1/2 teaspoons cheese mixture around each ball, then roll in pumpkin seeds. Place on a waxed paper-lined baking sheet. Refrigerate until serving. If desired, serve with pretzel sticks.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 65 calories, Fat 6g fat (2g saturated fat), Cholesterol 7mg cholesterol, Sodium 43mg sodium, Carbohydrate 2g carbohydrate (0 sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 2g protein.