Snowman Cheese Ball

Ingredients:

• 1 tub (8 oz.) cream cheese spread
• 1 pkg. (8 oz.) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh chives
• 1/4 cup slivered almonds, toasted
• 1/4 tsp. ground red pepper (cayenne)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
•  peppercorns
• 1 baby carrot
•  Ritz Crackers

Directions:

• Mix  first 5 ingredients until blended. Refrigerate 1 hour.
• Divide  cheese mixture into 3 different-size balls (1 small, 1 medium and 1 large). Coat with Parmesan. Arrange in line on serving plate to resemble a snowman lying down. (Largest ball should be at bottom of plate for the snowman's base, and the smallest ball should be at the top for the snowman**s head.)
• Decorate  with remaining ingredients to resemble photo. Serve with crackers.

Recipe Tips:

Variation:

Prepare using PHILADELPHIA 1/3 Less Fat than Cream Cheese and KRAFT 2% Milk Shredded Cheddar Cheese.

Variations:

Prepare cheese mixture as directed, then shape as follows:  

Yule Log:

Divide in half. Roll each half into log. Roll in chopped PLANTERS Cashews and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley to resemble yule logs.  

Decorated Christmas Tree:

Drop by tablespoonfuls into triangular shape on small platter; smooth top with spatula to resemble Christmas tree shape. Add a few pretzel sticks for the tree trunk and chopped red, green and yellow peppers for the ornaments.  

Truffles:

Shape into 1/2-inch balls. Roll in KRAFT Grated Parmesan Cheese, ground PLANTERS Pecans, dry bread crumbs or chopped fresh parsley.  

Wreath:

Drop by spoonfuls around drinking glass on serving plate; smooth top with spatula. Remove glass. Garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley and red peppers to resemble a Christmas wreath.

Source: ritzparade.com