Any appetizer spread, even this one of conventional cheese ball ingredients smashed into a spread, becomes much more glamorous when paired with all things pale green—celery sticks, thin green apple wedges, or Belgian endive. Don’t underestimate the allure of a generous pile of green grapes, either.

　　

Ingredients

makes about 2 cups

　　8 ounces sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded (2 cups)

　　1/2 cup pecans, toasted

　　1/3 to 1/2 cup mayonnaise

　　1 teaspoon bottled smoke

　　1 heaping teaspoon Dijon mustard

　　Dash of Worcestershire sauce

　　Dash of hot pepper sauce

　　Black pepper

　　Smoked paprika

　　

Step 1

COMBINE the cheese, pecans, mayonnaise, bottled smoke, and mustard in a medium bowl. Blend well with a fork, adding more mayonnaise if you want a softer, more moist consistency.

　　

Step 2

ADD the Worcestershire sauce, hot pepper sauce, and pepper to taste and mix well. Sprinkle with paprika. Pile the cheese into a crock and serve with crackers or vegetables and fruit (see head-note).

　　Cheater BBQ