Surrounded by Cheeseballs

Here's a take on the ubiquitous cheeseball that is de rigueur this time of the year. It is a salmon and cream cheese ball that is sweet and spicy in an asian way.It doesn't have to be spherical. You could make it in the shape of a salmon, a Christmas tree, or a football for example, which I did once did for a party on Bay Lake at which Bud Grant was the guest of honor.

Begin w/ a pkg( 8 oz) of softened cream cheese. Add 3 oz flaked w/ a fork cooked salmon( canned or your own leftovers), 1 tablespoon of honey, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper( or red pepper flakes), 1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic, 3 tablespoons chopped green onions( or chives, or 1 teaspoon onion powder). Mix it all together w/ the back of a spoon, taste and adjust seasonings, shape it as you wish and sprinkle chopped parsley and /or paprika on it. If you have shaped it like a Christmas tree, you could use red pimentos and fresh herb leaves like basil or cilantro to decorate the tree.Chill.

Serve it w/ assorted crackers or baguette rounds. It is really good. You could add lemon pepper to it as well, or apricot preserves. Make it as sweet and or/hot as you like.

Merry Christmas.