Recipe: Spiced Cherry Cheeseball with Italian Cheese Ball Variation

SPICED CHERRY CHEESEBALL

1 pkg. (8 oz.) Philadelphia Cream Cheese Spread, softened
1 pkg. (10 oz.) Cracker Barrel Vermont Sharp-White Cheddar Cheese, shredded
1/2 cup dried cherries, chopped
1/4 tsp. pumpkin pie spice
1/2 cup Planters Pecan Pieces, toasted, finely chopped
Ritz Crackers

Mix cream cheese and cheddar cheese in medium bowl until well blended. Stir in cherries and pumpkin pie spice.

Shape into ball; cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate at least 2 hours.

Roll in pecans just before serving. Serve as a spread with the crackers.

VARIATION:

Italian Cheese Ball
Prepare as directed, substituting 1 pkg. (8 oz.) KRAFT Shredded Mozzarella Cheese for the cheddar cheese, 1/4 cup sliced drained oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes for the cherries and 1/2 tsp. each Italian seasoning and garlic powder for the pumpkin pie spice.

Makes: 24 servings, 2 Tbsp. spread and 5 crackers each
Source: Kraft