Fresh Basil –Wrapped Cheese Balls

½ c. (4 oz.) mascarpone cheese

½ c. (8 oz.) crumbled Gorgonzola cheese

2 tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese

1/8 c. tsp. pepper

24 fresh basil leaves, 2-2½ inches long

Directions:

Mix the cheeses and pepper until blended.

Cover and refrigerate about 30 minutes or until firm enough to shape into balls.

Shape 1½ teaspoons cheese mixture into a ball.

Roll slightly to form an oval, about 1 inch long.

Place on wide end of basil leaf.

Roll up.

Roll leaf and cheese between fingers to form an oval.

Repeat with remaining mixture and basil leaves.

Serve immediately, or cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until serving but no longer that 24 hours.

Yield: 24 appetizers