CHEESE PINE CONES2 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
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