Goblin Cheeseball

I love Halloween for so, so many reasons and not the least of which is that it means it's time for my friend Landon's famous goblin cheeseball! This year I finally managed to snap a picture of him before he lost an eye or an ear.

Every year I host a Spooky Treat Day in the back of our school library on Halloween. It's such a great way for our staff to share fun recipes or treats that they discover with one another. I look forward to this day so much just because we all get to be a little silly.

For several years now, Landon has contributed his clever little goblin guys and I have to say, they are always the highlight of the spread for me. Not only is it so fun to see him appear on his special little plate but it's also hearing how many people come by and rave about him that makes him such a treat. Not to mention, he's always really tasty even if it takes awhile for someone brave to finally cut off part of his face!

It's so very fitting that something that brings so much joy to so many people was created by Landon. Landon is simply one of those people that makes any room feel instantly better when he walks in. His smile is infectious and he manages to make everyone feel special. I see this gift not only in his interactions with me and my friends, but perhaps most importantly, with his students. It is obvious from day one of class that he is in their corner and that his relationships with them matter more than anything else to him. I am always so honored when he asks me to teach lessons with him and I treasure the moments I have spent with him and his students through the years. Every time we teach together, I come away having learned so much about how to love and affirm teenagers who often just don't get enough of that.

I am grateful that Landon shares his goblin with us every Halloween but even more so that he shares his big, loving heart with all of us every single day!

Goblin Cheeseball (click here for printable recipe)

2 8-ounce cartons of cream cheese ( Use Neufchatel if you'd like to reduce the fat content.)

1 carton of whipped cream cheese

1 8-ounce bag of shredded sharp cheddar (sometimes I use half Monterrey jack)

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

2-3 dashes of whatever good hot sauce you have on hand

1 cup of walnut chunks

about 5 drops of green food coloring (or whatever color suits your mood)

2 whole olives

1 green bell pepper

1 red bell pepper

1 carrot tip for the nose

In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, shredded cheese, pepper, garlic powder, and hot sauce. Mix thoroughly with a hand mixer.  On your serving plate, fashion into a skull-shaped ball.  Mix whipped cream cheese and food coloring with a fork and coat the goblin's head with the colored mixture.  Slice off the side of a green bell pepper and cut in half for ears, and stick them into the side of the head.  Put olives in for eyes and a carrot tip for the nose. For the mouth, slice off 1" strips of the red bell pepper and use kitchen scissors to cut out lips and then place them over the goblin's mouth. When all the parts are in, sprinkle and press the walnut chunks to give him hair.  

Refrigerate until time to gobble the goblin and serve with your favorite crackers! Enjoy!