Chocolate Cheese Ball

Kids love this sweet treat, as do a lot of adults. A nifty addition when placing appetizers or munchies out for guests.

• Ready In: 4 hrs
• Serves: 12-20
• Yields: 1 cheese ball

Ingredients

• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1⁄2 cup butter, softened
• 3⁄4 cup icing sugar
• 2  tablespoons brown sugar
• 1⁄4 teaspoon vanilla
• 3⁄4 cup  miniature chocolate chip
• 3⁄4 cup  finely chopped pecans or 3⁄4 cup  finely chopped walnuts
•  graham cracker (for spreading)

Directions

1. In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until fluffy.
2. Gradually add the icing sugar, then the brown sugar, then vanilla; beat just until combined.
3. Stir in chocolate chips.
4. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours.
5. Place cream cheese mixture on a large piece of plastic wrap and shape into a ball; it helps to put your hands under the plastic wrap to help you form it without getting your hands sticky.
6. Place nuts in flat bowl and roll ball in pecans, trying to coat evenly.
7. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
8. Serve with graham crackers.