Miniature Blue Cheese Balls With Winter Fruit Recipe

Directions:

1. Place apricots in a sauce pan then add water barely to cover.
2. Stir in vanilla then bring apricots to a boil uncovered and simmer 4 minutes.
3. Test with a fork, the apricots should be tender but not limp then drain and dry well and set aside.
4. Preheat oven to 375 then spread pecans on a baking sheet and toast pecans 5 minutes.
5. Stir after 2 minutes and watch so nuts do not scorch.
6. Remove and pour pecans on waxed paper to cool.
7. Whirl pecans in a blender or food processor until very fine then set aside.
8. Place cream cheese, blue cheese and brandy in bowl of a food processor and process.
9. Add onion and pulse briefly to incorporate.
10. Remove mixture to a bowl and refrigerate at least 2 hours.
11. Remove cheese mixture from refrigerator then form miniature balls and dip tops in pecans.
12. Place on an apricot nut side up then repeat until all mixture is used.