Pinecone Cheese Spread

I made this cheese spread for a Christmas party, and everyone thought it was so cute! It has a Mexican flare, is very tasty and is surprisingly easy to make.

• Ready In: 2 hrs 25 mins
• Serves: 16

Ingredients

• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 2  cups  Mexican blend cheese, shredded
• 2  tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 2  tablespoons  canned diced green chilies
• 1⁄3 cup  sliced almonds, toasted

Directions

1. Place cream cheese, shredded cheese and mustard in food processor or blender container; cover. Process until well blended; stir in chilies.
2. Place on a sheet of wax paper; shape into 4-inch oval to resemble a pinecone.
3. Insert almonds in rows to completely cover cream cheese mixture.
4. Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours or until firm.
5. Let stand at room temperature 15 minutes before serving.
6. Serve as a spread with crackers.