The Pine Cone

Ingredients:

• 8 oz light or fat free cream cheese,softened in microwave 20 seconds
• 8 of sharp cheddar,grated or a mix between cheddar and swiss
• 8 oz bag Pecan halves
• 3 tbsp dry or fresh parsley,hydrate the dry with a sprinkle of water
• pepper and salt
• paprika and nutmeg

Directions:

1. “Moosh” everything except the pecans together and then shape into an egg shape on its side on a plate
2. Arrange pecans on it to look like the parts of a pine cone
3. Serve with little cocktail breads and cheeses

I have made this with whole almonds when it is a bad year for pecans and you can make a lot of variations as with adding sherry and crabmeat. One of my families favorite traditions.
Thank you Meredith Peters