MAKING
1. In a large dry bowl, soften cream cheese, using a wooden spoon or an electric hand beater.
2. Add the blue cheese and butter.
3. Beat the mixture thoroughly until smooth and creamy.
4. Stir in the olives, 1/4 cup of the nuts and the chives.
5. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate until the mixture is firm, preferably overnight.
6. When firm, shape the mixture into one large or two equal size balls.
7. Spread remaining nuts on a wax paper.
8. Roll cheese ball in the nuts until evenly coated.
9. Refrigerate again for at least 1/2 hour, or until firm.

SERVING
10. Serve them with a variety of crackers and fruit on a cheese board, providing a cheese knife to spread the cheese.
11. You can also gift wrap the cheese balls after wrapping them in plastic and include in gift hampers.


TIP
Chopped parsley instead of nuts makes a handsome cover, but don't use it unless you expect the cheese ball to be eaten at one party. The parsley doesn't keep well; the cheese and nuts do.