BRANDY & DATE CHEESE BALL POPS

Brandy & Date Cheese Ball Pops image

For a fun and different presentation for cheese balls, try my cheese pops. The brandy and dates add a sweetness, while the almonds and bacon add a complementary crunch.-Ginger Kohutek, Weslaco, Texas

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Appetizers

Time 30m

Yield 2 dozen.

Number Of Ingredients 9

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Ingredients

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup butter, softened
3 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 tablespoon brandy
1 cup finely chopped dates
1 package (2-1/4 ounces) sliced almonds, chopped and toasted
12 bacon strips, cooked and finely crumbled
24 lollipop sticks
Assorted crackers

Steps:

In a small bowl, beat the cheddar cheese, butter, cream cheese and brandy until well blended. Stir in dates. Shape into twenty-four 1-in. balls. Place almonds and bacon in separate shallow bowls. Roll half of the cheese balls in almonds; roll remaining balls in bacon. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours or until firm., Insert lollipop sticks into cheese balls. Serve with crackers.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 137 calories, Fat 11g fat (6g saturated fat), Cholesterol 28mg cholesterol, Sodium 167mg sodium, Carbohydrate 7g carbohydrate (5g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 4g protein.