CULLMAN, Ala. – The women of Grace Episcopal Church have been deep in planning, preparations and cream cheese for their annual cheeseball fundraiser. For the 36th year, favorite flavors and infusions will make their way into homes and onto holiday tables, while supporting more than a handful of local nonprofits and charity organizations and spreading love and prayer with each bite.
“There’s a lot of praying that goes into these cheeseballs,” laughed Erin Finch. “As we are making them, we are praying for each family.”
On Sunday, Aug. 25, the women hosted a Cheeseball Tasting Tea to crack open the fundraising season, while allowing potential customers to taste each variety before placing a final order for one, or a few, of their favorites.
The group of women, known as Grace Episcopal Church Women (ECW), spends countless hours mastering each cheeseball creation. Operating assembly-line style, the ladies split into teams, with each team dedicated to one of the eight offered varieties. Flavors range from a savory olive blend to a sweet chocolate dessert dip.
The finest crystal and cut glass were on display at The Arnold House for the Tasting Tea to showcase the prize of the afternoon, the handmade cheese balls, with samples plated and ready to be grabbed and savored. The tablescape included six savory cheeseballs and two sweet dishes, meant for after-dinner treats.
“We brought out some new flavors and we brought out some old favorites just in time for the holidays,” said Cherrie Smith.
The sweet offerings included Chocolate Chip, which combines the tastes and textures of cream cheese, butter, chocolate chips and pecans. Grace ECW suggests this dessert dish be served with graham crackers, vanilla wafers or fresh apple slices.
The second sweet sample, Festive Dessert, is a nostalgic touch for the women involved in the fundraiser and within Grace Episcopal itself. The recipe was developed by a former parishioner, Cora Pitt. She was described as a lively and loving character and remembered fondly for her talent in the kitchen. Pitt passed away in 2016 at age 87; this year would have marked her 95th birthday. Grace ECW chose to include the Festive Dessert in her memory.
Festive Dessert is described as a slightly sweeter cheeseball that brings the flavors of sharp cheddar cheese combined with dates, raisins and a hint of bleu cheese. Coated with chopped pecans, this cheeseball is recommended to be served with ginger snaps or vanilla wafers.
Savory offerings include:
- English Cheddar
A traditional cheeseball in every sense, English Cheddar is made with the pleasing taste of Old English cheddar cheese and finished with a coating of chopped pecans. ECW recommends serving with any choice of bread or crackers.
- Chipped Beef
The savory taste of beef takes center stage in this cheeseball that is sure to be a hit with holiday guests. Flavored with the mild taste of scallions and chipped beef, ECW recommends serving with any choice of bread or crackers.
- Boursin
The Boursin cheeseball sees the flavors of the French countryside combine, rich with butter, red wine, parsley, garlic and a blend of “Herbs de Provence.” ECW recommends serving with any choice of bread or crackers.
- Ponderosa
This twist on tradition brings Big Western flavor; this popular cheeseball combines cheddar cheese, ranch seasonings and buttermilk for a rich and savory experience. ECW recommends serving with any choice of bread or crackers.
- Mount of Olives
This festive cheese ball combines the flavors of smooth cream cheese and hearty cheddar, with diced chunks of pimiento-stuffed olives. ECW recommends serving with any variety of savory crackers.
- Henrietta
This mild flavored cheese ball is chock-full of white meat chicken. Coated with sliced almonds, ECW notes it can be served on crackers or with raw vegetables for a low-carb treat.
Each cheeseball is set at a cost of $10, with proceeds from each sale supporting local outreach projects including the Committee on Church Cooperation (CCC), the Good Samaritan Health Clinic, the Pilot Light Home, Cullman Caring for Kids, Hope Horses, Inc. and Grace Cafe. Cheeseballs will be made and ready for pickup on Thursday, Nov. 14, between the hours of 9 a.m.-6 p.m. at Grace Episcopal Church located at 305 Arnold St. NE.
Orders can be made online at www.gracecullman.dioala.org/cheeseball-order-form.html. Orders will be accepted through mid-October. Updates will be posted on the Grace Episcopal Church Facebook page at www.facebook.com/gracecullman.
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