Date & Blue Cheese Ball

INGREDIENTS

• 1 tbsp minced shallots
• 2 1/2 tbsp finely chopped toasted walnuts
• 2 tbsp minced fresh flat-leaf parsley
• 1/4 tsp freshly ground pepper
• 1/4 tsp kosher or sea salt
• 8 oz/225 g of low-fat cream cheese (bar style), at room temperature
• 3 tbsp minced Medjool dates (5 to 6 pitted dates)
• Crostini, Baked Pita Chips, Baked Bagel Chips, Marbled Rye Toasts, celery and carrot sticks
• 1 tbsp reduced-fat buttermilk
• 1 cup/115 g crumbled blue cheese, at room temperature
• 1 tsp grated lemon zest