Caramelized Garlic Cheese Spread

This pumpkin-shaped cheese spread adds a festive touch to your table.

Spread Ingredients:
2 teaspoons Butter
2 tablespoons coarsely chopped fresh garlic
1 teaspoon sugar
1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup utter, softened
8 ounces (2 cups) Sharp Cheddar Cheese, shredded
1/4 cup sliced green onion
1/4 teaspoon salt

Coating Ingredients:
1/2 cup finely crushed cheese-flavored bite-sized crackers

Garnish Ingredients:
1 medium bell pepper with stem

Crackers/Dippers Ingredients:

Crackers

Fresh cut-up vegetables

Melt 2 teaspoons butter in small skillet until sizzling; add garlic and sugar. Cook over medium�high heat, stirring constantly, until garlic just starts to brown (3 to 5 minutes). Immediately remove from heat.

Combine garlic mixture and all remaining spread ingredients in large bowl. Beat at medium speed until creamy. Shape cheese mixture into pumpkin shape with hands. Cover; refrigerate 1 hour.

Place crushed crackers into large shallow bowl or pie pan. Roll cheese ball into crackers; press evenly to coat. Place onto serving plate.

Create stem for top of pumpkin from bell pepper slices.

Cover; refrigerate 2 hours or overnight to blend flavors. Just before serving; score vertical lines on pumpkin with knife. Serve with crackers and vegetables.

Preparation time: 30 min Cooking time: 3 min
Yield: 30 (1 tablespoon) servings