Cream Cheese Pine Cones With Almonds Recipes

CREAM CHEESE AND ALMOND PINECONE

Steps:

• In a 350 degree oven toast the almonds in a single layer on a cookie sheet.
• Meanwhile, combine the room temperature cheeses. Mound the cheese mixture onto the serving platter and shape into a pinecone shape with a spreading knife. Beginning at the bottom, pointed end of the pinecone begin placing the toasted almonds in rows, overlapping them slightly as you build the rows. The almonds should have the tapered end pointing downward. When it is done it will look like a huge pinecone. Decorate with silk leaves or a bow. Serve with an assortment of crackers and festive spreading knives.

PINECONE CHEESE BALL

Steps:

• Mix cream cheese, shredded cheese, and Dijon mustard in a blender or food processor until well blended.
• Stir in green chilies.
• Place in freezer for 20 minutes so that it is easier to handle and shape.
• Remove from freezer and place on wax paper.
• Shape into what resembles a pinecone.
• Stick the almonds into the cheese ball in rows that completely cover the cheese ball.
• Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
• Let the cheese ball stand at room temperature for 15 minutes before serving.
• Serve with crackers.

PINE CONE CHEESE BALL

Steps:

• Stir cream cheese, goat cheese, parsley, tarragon, thyme, garlic, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper together in a bowl until smooth and well-mixed.
• Turn cheese mixture out onto a serving platter and form into a tapered oval shape to resemble a pine cone.
• Starting at the tapered end, press almonds into the cheese cone so that the tip of the almond is facing out and down, and cheese cone is completely covered with almonds and resembles a pine cone. Place rosemary sprigs at the top to resemble pine needles.

PINECONE-SHAPED SPREAD

Steps:

• In a bowl, combine the cream cheese, mayonnaise, bacon, onion, dill and pepper; chill. Form into two pinecone shapes on a serving platter. Beginning at the narrow end of each shape, arrange almonds in overlapping rows. Garnish with rosemary if desired. Serve with crackers or vegetables.