TWO-HUNDRED CHEESEBALLS. Not a phrase—or dish—to throw around lightly. But that’s what I made for our annual celebration of Emily Dickinson’s birthday, which is December 10. Not a big birthday this year, so I limited myself somewhat in the celebration, making the light fare myself so I can rest up for the huge blowout planned for Emily’s 180th in 2010. Once there was a time when my husband and I were a little torn as to which holiday to celebrate, and how. Long story, lots of history, but years ago, after being married only a short time, we compromised on one totemic holiday to appreciate: Emily’s birthday, and most years we have a party.
For a good long time it was a bowling party, complete with t-shirts and prizes. But we’ve matured, this year hosting the fete (a week early; another long story) at Market Block Books, our local independent bookstore, and not wanting to crumb up the place, or sticky up the place, or dip up the place, not wanting to bring plates or forks, I thought long and hard about what to serve and soon I—and the dog, and the kitchen—was covered in cheese.
These were not just any cheeseballs, mind you. These were chutney cheese balls, the recipe cadged off a Cabot Cheddar advertisement.
Here it is.
Emily Dickinson Birthday Party Chutney Cheese Balls
Makes about 24
- 16 ounces grated sharp cheddar cheese
- 6 tablespoons cream cheese
- 2 tablespoons Major Gray’s Chutney
- 2/3 cup crushed walnuts
Yes, I multiplied the recipe about 10 times. Uh huh. Emily would love that. How do I know? Have you ever seen her recipe for black cake? It’s a little, ah, big. Enjoy.
Refrigerate for several hours before serving in truffle papers Shape into 1-inch balls and roll in chopped nuts Combine cheese and chutney in bowl and mash with fork.
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Emily’s Black Cake recipe looks to be a killer! Are you making one (or two?) for the 180th? I like your use of “little” to modify, ah “big”!!
Hi, Anthony. So glad to see you back here on TSP, where we love our Dickinsons, especially now that we know the extent of the feuding and conflict in which Emily had to write, having just read the new Dickinson biography. Make sure to see the review of the new book about the family. What a family. What a writer. Oh, yes–and what a baker. Enjoy.