Holiday Cheese Ball

I guess we've really covered the entire subject of my love of cheese.  So of course it stands to reason that a mixture of cheeses, mixed together with my favorite Italian herbs and then ROLLED IN PECANS would be a must for the party table, right? You betcha! 

2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 cup shredded mild cheddar cheese

3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2  teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon dried basil

1 teaspoon dried parsley
1/8 teaspoon pepper
1/2 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1/2 tablespoon hot pepper sauce
1 cup pecans, finely chopped (divided!)

Place 3/4 cup finely chopped pecans in a shallow dish and set aside.

In a large bowl, mix the cream cheese until smooth.  Add the cheddar cheeses and mix until just combined. Add the seasonings, Worcestershire and hot sauce and 1/4 cup of the chopped pecans over the cheese mixture and mix until thoroughly combined.

Carefully roll the cheese into a round ball.  Coat in pecans by gently scooping up the pecans and press them onto the cheese ball with the other.  Turn the cheese ball as you go and let the excess pecans fall back into the dish.  Wrap the cheese ball with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve.