Pumpkin-shaped Cheese Ball

Summer is ending and fall is here!  It's pumpkin season!  This cheese ball does not actually include pumpkin, but it is shaped like a pumpkin and is fun to serve during the Fall season, for Halloween get-togethers, or for Thanksgiving.  It's a great cheese ball that's easy and yummy.  You can use it anytime, by shaping it into a  when it's not shaped as a pumpkin!  You can roll it in chopped pecans or crushed tortilla chips.  I made this for a dinner party and it got great reviews.  It's fun to be a bit artistic with your food!  Enjoy!

INGREDIENTS:

1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened (I used low fat)

1 carton (8-ounce) spreadable chive and onion cream cheese (I used low fat)

2 cups (8 ounces) shredded sharp cheddar cheese

2 teaspoons paprika

½ teaspoon cayenne pepper

1 celery rib or broccoli stalk

1 spinach leaf

Sliced apples and assorted crackers

DIRECTIONS:

In a small bowl, beat cream cheeses until smooth.

Stir in cheddar cheese, paprika and cayenne.

Shape into a ball; wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 4 hours or until firm.

With a knife, add vertical lines to the cheese ball to resemble a pumpkin; insert a celery rib or broccoli stalk for the stem.

Serve with apples and crackers