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PEANUT CHEESE BALL WITH FRUIT

INGREDIENTS:

1 pkg. (8 oz.) cream cheese, at room temperature
1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup salted dry-roasted peanuts, chopped, divided
Assorted fruit, such as sliced pears, sliced apples and red and green seedless grapes

In bowl with mixer at medium speed beat cream cheese, sugar and vanilla until combined and smooth, about 2 minutes.  Set aside 1 tablespoon peanuts; stir remaining into cheese mixture.  Transfer mixture to sheet of plastic wrap; wrap mixture.  Form into ball; refrigerate until firm, at least 1 hour or overnight.  Unmold onto serving platter; sprinkle with reserved peanuts.  Serve with fruit.

YIELD:  8 servings

Recipe from Woman's World November 17, 1998 by Shelby W. Adkins, Penhook, Virginia.

Shelby's Tip, "For people who are allergic to nuts, use parsley instead.  It's colorful and helps hold the mixture together."

My Bride and myself did the above peanut cheese ball with fruit on November 18, 2009 and it is a great change of pace from the standard seasonal cheese ball.  Give this one a try and you will not be disappointed.  Bill aka Mickey Porter 11-18-09.