It's always a good idea to have a few appetizers out for guests when entertaining, especially since they generally come hungry and almost starve waiting for the other guests. Cheese balls are great for this purpose because they are attractive and taste good, but aren't so heavy that the guests ruin their appetites. The following Pine Cone Cheese ball is perfect for Christmas and New Year's parties, since it looks festive. It can be made a couple of days ahead, and garnished with real or artificial pine boughs, holly, and/or poinsettias. If it doesn't happen to be holiday time, you can simply roll the cheese mixture into chopped almonds and parsley and form it into a ball.

For convenience, this festive cheese ball can be made several days ahead and stored in the refrigerator.

Serves about 24

2 8 oz. packages cream cheese
1 bunch green onion, chopped
1 tablespoon Bon Appetit Seasoning
1/4 teaspoon prepared mustard

1 to 2 cups whole almonds, smoked or raw

Pine boughs and/or Christmas greenery

1. Whip the cream cheese with the onions, Bon Appetit seasoning, and mustard until light.
2. Transfer the mixture to a large piece of plastic wrap, and using the plastic wrap, shape it into a pinecone shape.
3. Starting at the bottom, press almonds, pointed side out, into the cheese ball in layers to resemble a pinecone.
4. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill.
5. To serve, transfer the pinecone to a serving platter; arrange pine boughs and Christmas greenery decoratively around the cheese ball.
6. Serve with crackers.

Amount Per Serving
Calories 105 Calories from Fat 87
Percent Total Calories From: Fat 83% Protein 10% Carb. 7%

Nutrient Amount per Serving
Total Fat 10 g
Saturated Fat 4 g
Cholesterol 21 mg
Sodium 57 mg
Total Carbohydrate 2 g
Dietary Fiber 0 g
Sugars 0 g
Protein 3 g

Vitamin A 5% Vitamin C 0% Calcium 0% Iron 2%