# Components:
→ Cheeses
01 - 7 oz cream cheese, softened
02 - 3.5 oz goat cheese, softened
03 - 1.75 oz grated Parmesan cheese
→ Flavorings
04 - 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh chives
05 - 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh parsley
06 - 1 tbsp Champagne or sparkling wine
07 - ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
08 - ¼ tsp garlic powder
09 - ½ tsp lemon zest
10 - Salt, to taste
→ Coating
11 - 2.6 oz crushed toasted walnuts or pecans
12 - 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh herbs (parsley, chives, dill), mixed
→ Decoration
13 - 20 thin pretzel sticks or mini breadsticks
# Method:
01 - In a medium bowl, blend cream cheese, goat cheese, and Parmesan until smooth and creamy.
02 - Incorporate chives, parsley, Champagne, black pepper, garlic powder, lemon zest, and salt; mix thoroughly.
03 - Refrigerate the cheese blend for 15 to 20 minutes to firm up for easier shaping.
04 - Combine crushed walnuts and chopped herbs in a shallow dish.
05 - Scoop tablespoon-sized portions of the chilled cheese and shape each into a small cylinder resembling a Champagne cork.
06 - Roll each shaped cheese piece in the walnut-herb mixture until fully coated.
07 - Place a pretzel stick or mini breadstick vertically into the top of each coated cheese ball to emulate a cork stem.
08 - Arrange the finished cheese balls on a platter and refrigerate until ready to serve.
