Pinecone-Shaped Blue Cheese Spread

Pinecone-Shaped Blue Cheese Spread Recipe

This savory pinecone is a blend of delicious cheeses and herbs. Topped with plenty of almonds, it makes an impressive and welcoming appetizer. —Kathy Johnson Council Bluffs, Iowa

TOTAL TIME: Prep: 40 min. + chilling

MAKES: 28 servings

Ingredients

• 2 packages (8 ounces each) PHILADELPHIA® Cream Cheese, softened
• 1-1/4 cups process cheese sauce
• 1 cup (4 ounces) crumbled blue cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions
• 1 tablespoon diced pimientos
• 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1-1/2 cups unblanched almonds, toasted
• Fresh rosemary sprigs, optional
• Assorted crackers or fresh vegetables

Directions

1. In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, cheese sauce and blue cheese until smooth. Stir in the onions, pimientos and Worcestershire sauce. Cover and refrigerate until firm.
2. On a serving platter, form cheese spread into a pinecone shape. Beginning at a narrow end, arrange almonds in rows. Garnish with rosemary if desired. Serve with crackers or vegetables. Yield: 3-1/2 cups.

Originally published as Pinecone-Shaped Blue Cheese Spread in Taste of Home December/January 2007, p25

Nutritional Facts

1 serving (2 tablespoons) equals 123 calories, 11 g fat (5 g saturated fat), 20 mg cholesterol, 287 mg sodium, 3 g carbohydrate, 1 g fiber, 5 g protein.