Pumpkin Cheese Ball

Yield: 16 servings

Ingredients

• 2  (8-ounce) blocks extra-sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1  (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1  (8-ounce) container chive-and-onion cream cheese
• 2  teaspoons  paprika
• 1/2  teaspoon  ground red pepper
• 1  broccoli stalk
• Red and green apple wedges

Preparation

Combine Cheddar cheese and next 4 ingredients in a bowl until blended. Cover and chill 4 hours or until mixture is firm enough to be shaped.

Shape mixture into a ball to resemble a pumpkin. Smooth entire outer surface with a frosting spatula or table knife. Make vertical grooves in ball, if desired, using fingertips.

Cut florets from broccoli stalk, and reserve for another use. Cut stalk to resemble a pumpkin stem, and press into top of cheese ball. Serve cheese ball with apple wedges.

Note: To make ahead, wrap cheese ball in plastic wrap without stalk, and store in refrigerator up to 2 days. Attach stalk before serving.