APPETIZER CHEESE MIX

3 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
1 (8 ounce) carton dairy sour cream
3/4 cup margarine or butter, softened

In a large mixer bowl combine cream cheese, sour cream, and margarine. Beat with electric mixer on medium speed till fluffy.

Divide into 3 equal portions and prepare Swiss-Amaretto Cheese Ball, Sherried Crab Spread, and Jalapeno Dip according to the directions that follow.

Makes 5 cups

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SWISS-AMARETTO CHEESE BALL
Makes 1 large or 2 small cheese balls

1/2 recipe Appetizer Cheese Mix
1 (6 ounce) package shredded Swiss cheese, at room temperature
1 to 2 tablespoons amaretto
1 (2.5 ounce) package sliced almonds, toasted, divided use

In a large mixer bowl beat together Appetizer Cheese Mix, Swiss cheese, and amaretto till fluffy. Stir in 1/4 cup of the almonds. Cover and chill.

Shape into a ball. Coat with remaining sliced almonds. Wrap in clear plastic wrap or foil and chill.

Serve within 5 days with assorted crackers or party breads. Refrigerate leftovers.

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SHERRIED CRAB SPREAD
Makes 2 1/4 cups

1/2 recipe Appetizer Cheese Mix
1/4 cup dry sherry
1/2 teaspoon steak sauce
1/4 teaspoon lemon pepper seasoning
1 (6 ounce) can crab meat, drained, flaked, and cartilage removed
2 teaspoons snipped chives

In a large mixing bowl combine the Appetizer Cheese Mix, sherry, steak sauce, and lemon pepper seasoning. Gently stir in crab meat and chives. Spoon into 2 crocks or bowls. Cover and chill.

Serve within 5 days with assorted crackers or party breads. Refrigerate leftovers.

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JALAPENO DIP
Makes 3 cups

1/2 recipe Appetizer Cheese Mix
1 1/2 cups shredded pepper cheese (6 ounces)
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 cup taco sauce
1/4 cup milk
2 tablespoons chopped green onion

In a large mixer bowl combine Appetizer Cheese Mix, shredded pepper cheese, and garlic powder; beat with electric mixer on medium speed till well blended. Gradually beat in taco sauce and milk. Stir in green onion. Transfer to small crocks or jars. Chill.

Serve within 5 days as a dip for tortilla chips, toasted tortilla wedges, or vegetable dippers. Refrigerate leftovers.

Source: Holiday Cooking magazine 1988, Better Homes and Gardens

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MORE RECIPES:

Cheese Ball Recipes

Category:  Appetizers and Snacks
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