Canada day & chocolate cheese ball recipe

It's funny, sometimes the best desserts are the ones that are the most kid-friendly. No one is too old for this simple party dessert. The sweetness of the chocolate pairs perfectly with the slight crunch of the graham cracker. It pleases from the very first bite! This is a really creamy spread that has been my go-to for summer events, most recently, Canada Day.

I spent the first of July canoeing on the river. I've been kayaking many times before but canoeing was new for me. I can say with full confidence that there is no better way to enjoy Canada Day than skimming across the surface of a river surrounded by thick forest here in Southern Ontario. Everything about the experience was Zen. The only disruption to the stillness came when it was time for me to steady my way in and out of the canoe, without dropping my iPhone, keys, or wallet. It was easy to lose track of time while drifting along, sometimes slowing just to let the current guide me while I took in my surroundings. As I advanced from my original launch point I began to feel more and more enveloped by greenery. Brushing against plants as nature began to close in on either side of me, I felt strangely safe and free. I thought of how early inhabitants of Canada must have felt. I could connect to Canadian history in a sense, just by immersing myself in nature. It was nice to derive joy and amusement from factors that I'm not necessarily exposed to as often as my ancestors would have been. Maybe I'll try to establish this as a tradition, canoeing and then some family time together eating this yummy chocolate cheese ball!

Ingredients:

1 cup cream cheese, softened

1/4 cup butter, softened

1/4 cup peanut butter, creamy or chunky

3/4 cup icing sugar

2 tablespoons brown sugar

3 tablespoons cocoa

1/4-1/2 cup chocolate chips

Directions:

1. In a large bowl stir together cream cheese, butter, and peanut butter until smooth.

2. Mix in icing sugar, brown sugar, cocoa and chocolate chips.

3. Line a bowl with enough plastic wrap to go over the edges of the bowl and wrap around the ball.

4. Pour mixture into the lined bowl and wrap it in the shape of a ball, securing it in place with a rubber band. Chill for several hours.

5. When ready to serve, remove from fridge and mould into the shape of a ball while still in plastic wrap. Serve with graham crackers or fruit.

Here is a picture that I took on Snapchat yesterday. You can add me to see my story: karla_it