Brighter Day Cheese Ball

Ingredients:

• 3 Tbsp. finely chopped pecans
• 1/4 tsp. red hot pepper sauce
• 1 (8 oz.) pkg. Neufchatel cream cheese
• 1/4 tsp. minced garlic
• 3 green onions w/tops, finely chopped
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 tsp. Dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup minced parsley

Directions:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spread out chopped pecans on a cookie sheet. Bake for 8 minutes or until toasted, tossing once.

In a small non-metal bowl, mix the cream cheese, onions, mustard, red pepper sauce, and garlic with mixer at a medium speed for 3 minutes. Stir in the cheddar cheese. Wrap in plastic wrap and shape into approx. 4 inch ball, refrigerate for 15 minutes.

Once chilled, toss the pecans and parsley on a sheet of waxed paper. Unwrap the cheese ball and carefully roll it around in the mixture, covering it completely. Re-wrap the cheese ball and place in refrigerator until time to serve. Serve with crackers or fresh vegetables.

By Jodi from Aurora, CO