SNOWMAN CHEESE SPREAD

Snowman Cheese Spread image

This cute cheese ball snowman "stands out" on any appetizer buffet. He is so much fun to "build" and always gets a warm welcome at parties and gatherings. This is one snowman who won't melt away, but he disappears just as quickly once people get a taste of him.-Jan Sofranko, Melta, Illinois

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Appetizers

Time 30m

Yield 14-16 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 12

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Ingredients

2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
1 package (2-1/2 ounces) thinly sliced dried beef, chopped
1/2 cup minced fresh parsley
1/4 cup chopped green onions
1 carton (8 ounces) spreadable cream cheese
2 fresh rosemary sprigs
5 dried cranberries, divided
2 pretzel sticks
1 small pitted ripe olives
1 small carrot
1 green onion
Assorted crackers

Steps:

In a large bowl, beat the first four ingredients until blended. Shape into three balls, one 3-1/2 in., one 3 in and one 2-1/2 in. Place the 3-1/2-in. ball on an 8-in. serving plate; top with the 3-in. ball, then the small ball. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes., With a knife, smooth spreadable cream cheese over each ball; spread remaining cheese around base of snowman. Arrange rosemary sprigs on snowman's head, forming a wreath. Place three dried cranberries inside wreath. Insert pretzel sticks for arms., Cut two thin slices from olive and make two 1/8-in. circles. Place circles on head for eyes and slices on body for buttons. cut one cranberry in half widthwise; place in the center of olive buttons. Cut remaining cranberry in half lengthwise; shape one piece into a smile and place on snowman's face (discard remaining cranberry half)., Trim carrot to make a small nose; position on face. Cut top of green onion into a 1/4-in. strip; tie around neck for scarf. Serve with crackers.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 105 calories, Fat 10g fat (6g saturated fat), Cholesterol 32mg cholesterol, Sodium 244mg sodium, Carbohydrate 1g carbohydrate (1g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 3g protein.