Pinecone Cheese Ball

A cream cheese and Mexican-flavored cheese ball that looks like a pinecone?  It's Christmas, why not.  And since we've got another few months of snow here in Upstate New York, you can try this recipe out for your next party.

INGREDIENTS

1 pkg. (8 oz.) Cream Cheese, softened

2 cups Shredded Four Cheese Mexican Style Cheese

2 Tbsp. GREY POUPON Dijon Mustard (I HATE mustard... so I skipped this)

2 Tbsp. chopped canned green chilies

1/3 cup Sliced Almonds, toasted (toasted?  really?  I just took them out of the bag as they were.)

DIRECTIONS

PLACE cream cheese, shredded cheese and mustard in food processor or blender container; cover. Process until well blended. Stir in chilies.

PLACE on sheet of wax paper; shape into 4-inch oval to resemble a "pinecone." Insert almonds in rows to completely cover cream cheese mixture. Cover.

REFRIGERATE at least 2 hours or until firm. Let stand at room temperature 15 min. before serving. Serve as a spread with crackers.

VERDICT

Is it really a pinecone?  Questionable. 

Edible?  Yup. 

Enough for a big crowd?  Definitely.