Instructions

Making the Homemade Onion Soup Mix (5 minutes)

1. Stir together all the spices in a small bowl until well combined.
2. In a few batches, grind the spices a little smaller using a mortar and pestle.  Set aside.

Making the Cheese Ball (10 minutes + 2 hours chilling)

1. Beat the cream cheese and cheddar cheese with a hand-held electric mixer until fluffy.  Beat in the sour cream, Worcestershire sauce, lemon juice, and additional spices.  Add the homemade onion soup mix to taste.
2. Blend until thoroughly combined, scraping down the sides for an even mix.
3. Chill the cheese mixture in the fridge for about 2 hours to firm up the mixture.  You can keep it in the fridge for a few days at this point if you want to make it ahead.

Shaping & Decorating the Cheese Ball (15 minutes)

1. Once the cheese mixture has chilled enough to handle, place the mixture on a large piece of plastic wrap.  Fold the wrap around the cheese, then shape it into a smooth ball.  Use your hands to shape one end into a point to make the hedgehog’s head.
2. Unwrap the hedgehog and place him on the serving board.  Make any adjustments to the shape, smoothing holes or creases with the back of a spoon.
3. Once you’re satisfied with the hedgehog’s shape, stick on the two dried beans for eyes and the raisin for a nose.  Decorate the hedgehog’s back with rows of pecan halves and walnut pieces to look like spines.
4. Curl a few sprigs of fresh rosemary around the hedgehog to look like pine branches in a forest.  Serve the cheese ball with crackers.