Cheese Balls With Marinated Sun Dried Tomatoes

This recipe is from the Southern Living Christmas book, 1993. It was a favorite at every office party I took it to, and family gatherings as well. It makes a lot, and can be made into several small balls and wrapped with a festive bow as a hostess gift or Secret Santa gift.

• Ready In: 3 hrs 10 mins
• Serves: 20
• Yields: 3 8 oz. balls

Ingredients

• 3 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
• 7  ounces sun-dried tomatoes packed in oil, drained (reserve oil for another use)
• 1  garlic clove
• 2  teaspoons dried basil or 1  tablespoon  fresh pesto sauce
• 1⁄2 cup  coarsely chopped  almonds or 1⁄2 cup pine nuts, toasted

Directions

1. With steel blade in place in food processor, add all ingredients EXCEPT NUTS to bowl. Process until smooth.
2. Turn into another bowl, cover, and chill at least 3 hours.
3. Form into 3 balls, roll in reserved nuts.
4. Serve with assorted crackers, toasted french bread, and veggies.
5. Store in refrigerator, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap, up to 5 days.