Tasty Cheese Ball

Cheese Ball

3 Tablespoons finely chopped peacans

1 package (8 oz.) Neufchatel cream cheese (at room temp)

3 green onions (finely chopped with tops, 1/3 cup)

1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard

1/4 teaspoon hot red pepper sauce

1/4 teaspoon minced garlic

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (4 ounces)

1/4 cup minced parsley

1. 
   
   Preheat the oven to 350 F and spread out the pecans in a small pan. Bake, tossing once, for 8 minutes or until toasted.


2. 
   
   In a small bowl, place the cream cheese, onions, mustard, red pepper sauce and garlic. With an electric mixer at moderate speed, beat for 3 minutes or until well blended. Stir in the cheddar cheese.


3. 
   
   Wrap the mixture in plastic wrap, shape into a 4 inch ball, and chill for 15 minutes.


4. 
   
   On wax paper, toss the toasted pecans with parsley. Unwrap the cheese ball and carefully roll it in the parsley mixture, coating it completely.


5. 
   
   Rewarp in plastic wrap and refrigerate until time to serve.


6. 
   
   Place the ball on a serving platter. Serve alongside crackers, pita chips or toasted slices of French Bread.