Gorgonzola, Orange and Candied Walnut Cheese Ball

Remove cheeses from refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for 30 minutes prior to making cheese mix.

Preheat your oven to 325 ˚F.

In a small sauté pan melt the butter over medium heat and then add the brown sugar, stirring constantly.  Add the orange juice, cream, salt, and cayenne and continue stirring periodically. Cook over low heat until well blended and caramel in color. Add the walnuts, stirring to coat. Cook until all the sauce is gone, stuck to the walnuts. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper. Spread the nuts evenly on the parchment paper and bake for 15-20 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool.  Nuts should be crispy not gooey. When cool, chop the nuts a bit finer or put in a food processor on and pulse until desired texture.

While nuts are cooking put cheese in a food processor. Process until cheeses are well blended and smooth. Add in the marmalade and zest and blend until mixed thoroughly. Place cheese on a piece of parchment paper and divide into 2 pieces. With very clean hands (I recommend gloves) roll the cheese mix into balls. Wrap in plastic and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up. 

Spread nuts on a large dinner plate or a cutting board. Roll the cheese balls over the nuts rotating until the entire ball is coated in nuts. Serve on a charcuterie board or by itself, accompanied by crackers and/or bread. It’s the perfect easy appetizer to pair with a bottle of Myka Estates Rosé.

Cook’s note - you can make small cheese balls instead of larger ones and serve them individually.