Colorful appetizers

Colorful Appetizers with Cheese Cubes and Delicious Surprises

If you want to bring a touch of cheer and color to your table, the recipe for colorful appetizers with cheese and cottage cheese is the perfect choice! This dish is not only visually appealing but also full of delicious flavors, making it ideal for parties, family gatherings, or even a themed dinner. Additionally, it is a simple, quick, and fun recipe to make that will surely be appreciated by kids and adults alike.

Total preparation time: 1 hour
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 15 minutes
Number of servings: 4-6

Ingredients

- 600 g cheese
- 150 g ham
- 200 g cottage cheese
- 100 g butter
- 4 eggs
- 3 tablespoons of flour
- A pinch of baking soda
- A bunch of fresh dill
- A packet of sweet paprika
- Pepper (to taste)
- 1 green salad
- 1 tomato (or half)
- Optional: a bunch of black grapes and a bell pepper

Step by step

1. Preparing Cheese and Ham Cubes
Start by cutting the cheese and ham into thick slices of about 1 cm. Use a heart-shaped mold or any desired shape to cut squares. This will create a playful and attractive presentation.
Butter one side and assemble them by alternating a slice of cheese and a slice of ham until you form a cube. This play of colors and textures will be very pleasing to the eye!

2. Forming Cheese Balls
In a bowl, mix the cottage cheese with the butter until it becomes a smooth paste. Form balls the size of ping pong balls. Some of the balls can be rolled in chopped fresh dill, while others can be rolled in sweet paprika for an intense flavor and vibrant appearance.

3. Preparing Cheese Balls
Grate the remaining cheese on a fine grater. In a separate bowl, beat the 3 eggs, then add the grated cheese, flour, and baking soda. Mix well until you obtain a smooth dough.
Heat a generous amount of oil in a deep pan. Using a spoon, form balls from the cheese mixture and fry them until golden and crispy, about 2-3 minutes on each side. Remove them onto a paper towel to absorb excess oil.

4. Creating the Egg Duck
Boil an egg until hard (about 10-12 minutes). Once cooled, cut it in half lengthwise. One half will become the body of the duck, and from the other half, you can form the head. Cut a small portion of the yolk and mix it with a bit of margarine, forming a ball that you attach to the egg with a toothpick. Use bell pepper for wings and peppercorns for eyes, and a tip of carrot for the beak.

5. Assembling the Appetizer
Assemble the appetizer on a platter. Place green salad leaves as a base. In the center, place the tomato, into which you stick the cheese balls, slices of ham, pieces of bell pepper, and cheese balls. Arrange the cheese and ham cubes around the tomato, and for a touch of freshness, add a few grapes.

Practical Tip
To make the appetizer even more attractive, you can use different shapes to cut the cheese and ham. You can also experiment with different types of cheese or add olives for extra flavor.

Nutritional Benefits
This appetizer is an excellent source of protein due to the cheese and eggs, while dill adds not only a fresh taste but also a boost of vitamins. Due to the variety of ingredients, it is a balanced choice for a healthy and energizing snack.

Calories
Approximately, a serving of colorful appetizer contains about 250-300 calories, depending on the amount of oil used and the size of the balls.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I replace the cheese with another type of cheese?
Yes, you can use mozzarella cheese or feta cheese for a different taste.

2. How can I make this appetizer healthier?
You can bake the balls in the oven, using oil spray to reduce the amount of fat.

3. What drinks pair well with these appetizers?
A dry white wine or a refreshing fruit cocktail are excellent to accompany these colorful appetizers.

Possible Variations
You can try adding fresh vegetables, such as cucumbers or carrots, for extra crunch. You can also experiment with various herbs in the cheese ball mixture to give them a personalized touch.

These colorful appetizers will not only impress with their appearance but will also bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones. So, put on your apron and turn your table into a true feast of colors and flavors!