Apple Cheese Ball

This is an adorable little appetizer that's fun to make, fun to show off, and fun to eat. And it's tasty to boot. I understand this came from Southern Living, October 1998. Be sure to soften the cream cheese beforehand for ease of processing.

• Ready In: 2 hrs 30 mins
• Yields: 1 ball

Ingredients

• 8  ounces white cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1  teaspoon garlic powder
• 1⁄8 teaspoon  ground red pepper
•  paprika
• 1  cinnamon stick
• 1  bay leaf

Directions

1. Process first 4 ingredients in a food processor until smooth, stopping to scrape down sides. Chill 30 minutes.
2. Shape cheese mixture into a ball, and make an indentation in the top to resemble an apple. Chill ball 30 minutes.
3. Coat ball heavily with paprika; cover and chill 1 hour.
4. Insert cinnamon stick and bay leaf into indentation to resemble apple stem and leaf. Serve with assorted crackers.