Blue Belle Inn's Parmesan Pine Cone Spread Recipe

Parmesan Pine Cone

This savory spread looks beautiful on a Christmas buffet, since it resembles a pine cone. Garnish with fresh rosemary or artificial pine sprigs.

1 c. sliced almonds (about 4 oz.)
12 oz. cream cheese, softened
1/2 c. grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 c. mayonnaise
1 1/2 tsp. chopped fresh oregano, or 1/2 tsp. dried
1 sm. garlic clove, crushed

Spread almonds in a single layer on a baking sheet. Toast in a 325° oven, shaking pan once or twice, until almonds are lightly browned, 7 to 10 min. Cool. Combine cream cheese, Parmesan, mayo, oregano, & garlic in med. bowl or food processor. Blend until well mixed. Refrigerate about 1 hr. until firm but still pliable. Place mix on a serving board or platter; form the shape of a pine cone. Stud top with toasted almonds to complete illusion. Serve with crackers.

This is another recipe we made at our Holiday Cooking Seminar last week. There were 22 cooks who attended -

we made all kinds of goodies. This is the proud attendee who made the cheeseball look like a pine cone.