Mango Chutney Cheese Ball

One of my favorite things about our yard is the picnic area. We have two picnic tables in our front yard and during the spring, summer, and fall I love to host frequent get-togethers outside!

We have a large extended family here in our small town and when we get together, everyone comes to my house. There are lots of children – and they can be quite rambunctious. So, hosting meals and activities outside means less stress for me!

Summer picnics are a weekly tradition in our house – sometimes twice a week. Whether I serve the meal outside in our front yard, at the lake, or at one of our favorite state parks, I need the food to do two things:

• taste delicious
• be easy to put together

In fact, during the summer you’ll find us at the lake every Saturday afternoon until the sun goes down along with 15 of our family members. I always take a picnic supper. Sometimes {okay, often} I throw things together just a few minutes before we head out the door! Sunday afternoons during the summer – and spring and fall – is usually when we get together in my yard or at park.

I love food and any time we’ll be active – swimming in the lake, walking along the beach, or hiking on a trail, I don’t leave home without enough food to make sure no one goes hungry.

I love setting a pretty table. Even if we are eating in the park or at the lake I’ll bring along pretty tablecloths – they make for an instant festive atmosphere! If you’re at home, grab a pretty potted plant and some candles and your centerpiece is done. Super simple.

One of my summer essential staples for easy entertaining whether I plan days in advance or just hours before, is this delicious recipe for my Mango Chutney Cheese Ball and Dare Crackers.

It’s one of the recipes that has just a few ingredients and is sooo simple to put together, but it tastes amazing and your family and friends will think you’re amazing for serving it. And Dare Crackers are the perfect accompaniment to this recipe.

Whether you’re prepping for an extravagant party or an impromptu get-together outside this summer, Dare’s variety of crisp crackers are sure to make each bite better.

Mango Chutney Cheese Ball with Dare Crackers

• 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup golden raisins
• 3 tbsp. sour cream
• 4 – 5 slices crisp cooked bacon, crumbled {I used a vegetarian version}
• 2 – 3 tbsp. fresh green onions, thinly sliced  {reserve 1 some for garnish}
• 1 8 oz. jar mango chutney
• Dare Cabaret and Dare Breton Original Crackers

In a small mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, golden raisins, sour cream, crumbled bacon, and green onions until mixed together.

To form cheese ball, spoon mixture onto a length of plastic wrap, mold into a ball shape and wrap with the plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours or overnight.

When you are ready to serve, place cheese ball on a platter. Spoon mango chutney over the top of the cheese ball and place Dare Crackers on platter for serving. I used both Dare Cabaret and Dare Breton Original Crackers.

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.