[Esther]

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White Cheddar Cheese Ball

1 8-oz pkg. Cream Cheese
4 oz. ages Cheddar Cheese, finely crumbled
1/4 cup butter
1 Tbsp. Half-n-Half
1 1/2 tsp. finely shredded orange peel
1/3 cup finely chopped pecans
1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
2/3 cup chopped fresh parsley, chopped pecans, and/or finely chopped green onion

Assorted crackers

In a large bowl let the cream cheese, crumbled cheese and butter stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. In a food processor combine cream cheese, crumbled cheese, butter, half-n-half, and orange peel. Cover and process until combined and the mixture is still slightly chunky.

Return to large bowl. Stir in 1/3 cup chopped pecans and 1/4 cup chopped green onions. Cover; chill for 30 to 60 minutes or until mixture is easy to handle. Shape mixture into a ball. Wrap with plastic wrap and chill for 4 to 24 hours.

To serve, let cheese ball stand 15 minutes. Roll cheese ball in additional chopped parsley, nuts, and/or green onions. Serve with crackers.

Makes 2 3/4 cups (about 22 servings)