CHEESE PINE CONES

2 cups shredded Swiss cheese (8 ounces)
1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
3 tablespoons milk
2 tablespoons dry sherry or milk
1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper
1 cup finely chopped blanched almonds
3/4 cup slivered blanched almonds
3/4 cup sliced almonds
1/2 cup whole almonds
Fresh rosemary sprigs (for garnish)
Assorted crackers (for serving)

Beat cheese, butter, milk, sherry and red pepper in medium bowl until smooth; stir in chopped almonds.

Divide mixture into 3 equal portions; shape each into tapered ovals to resemble pine cones.

Insert slivered, sliced and whole almonds into cones to resemble the opening "leaves".

Cover; refrigerate 2 to 3 hours or until firm.

Arrange cheese pine cones on wooden board or serving plate. Garnish tops with rosemary. Serve with crackers.

Servings: 12
Source: Favorite All Time Recipes - Treasury of Christmas Recipes