Cheddar Pumpkin Appetizers

Guests will enjoy clever edible pumpkins, whether served as an appetizer or used as a garnish. What a treat!

Ingredients:

8        tablespoons smoked Cheddar cold pack cheese food (from 8-oz container), well chilled

2        teaspoons finely chopped peanuts

4        butter-flavored pretzel spindles or sticks, broken in half

16      tiny pieces fresh parsley leaves

Directions:

• 1 Line small serving plate with waxed paper. Roll each level tablespoon cold pack cheese food into a ball; place on waxed paper-lined serving plate. Refrigerate 10 to 15 minutes for easier handling.
• 2 With end of toothpick, draw ridges around balls to resemble pumpkins. Dip bottoms of cheese balls in chopped peanuts.
• 3 Just before serving, insert pretzel halves into cheese balls for pumpkin stems. Decorate with parsley for leaves. Store in refrigerator.

Source:  bettycrocker.com