Cheese balls are perfect for parties and for simple snacking, they go best with the buttery goodness of Ritz crackers or can be applied to melbatoast.

• 2 8oz packages of cream cheese
• 1 cup grated smoked gouda cheese
• 1 cup grated smoked swiss or cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup smoked salmon
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 2 teaspoons steak sauce
• 1 cup finely sliced or chopped nuts, preferrably almonds
• Allow cheeses and butter to come to room temperature
• In a mixing bowl add cheeses, butter, salmon, milk and steak sauce. Beat till fluffy and evenly combined
• Cover and chill for 4 to 24 hours
• Shape mixture into a ball and roll in nuts till covered
• Let stand for 15 minutes. Serve with assorted crackers.

I know a grumpy old man who was once at a party (a New Years celebration if my memory serves me). This guy was in a dimly lit room with the party going on around him and picked up off of a coffee table what he thought to be a doughnut, taking a bite. At this point his horrified wife grabbed his arm saying, "Joe, you just took a bite out of the cheese ball!" Joe was too embarrased to put the bitten cheese ball back on the tray so he continued to eat the entire thing, grimacing the whole time. I don't think I would have been able to eat the whole thing without vomiting.