Spiced Cherry Cheeseball recipe

Prep Time: 15 min
Total Time: 2 hr 15 min
Makes: 24 servings, 2 tablespoons spread and 5 crackers each

1 package (8 ounces) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese Spread, softened
1 package (10 ounces) CRACKER BARREL Vermont Sharp-White Cheddar Cheese, shredded
1/2 cup dried cherries, chopped
1/4 teaspoon 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.

Size-Wise: Savor every bite of this tasty spread. Each 2-tablespoons serving goes a long way on flavor.

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

Nutrition (per serving): Calories 160 Total fat 11g Saturated fat 5g Cholesterol 25mg Sodium 250mg Carbohydrate 12g Dietary fiber 0g Sugars 3g Protein4g Vitamin A 4%DV Vitamin C 0%DV Calcium 10%DV Iron 4%DV

Recipe and photograph provided courtesy of Kraft Foods.