Pumpkin Cheese Ball

Three kinds of cheese, pepperoni and a touch of hot sauce guarantee this spooky-cute jack-o’-lantern is simply irresistible.

Ingredients

• 1 (8 oz.) pkg. + 2 oz. cream cheese, at room temp.
• 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
• 1 (6.5 oz.) cont. Alouette Garlic & Herbs spreadable cheese
• ¼ cup chopped pepperoni
• 1 Tbs. hot sauce, preferably Frank’s Red Hot
• 1 tsp. smoked paprika
• Black and orange concentrated food colorings
• 1 3”-long piece celery + celery leaves
• Assorted vegetables and crackers

Instructions

1. In food processor, combine 8 oz. cream cheese, 1½ cups Cheddar, Alouette cheese, pepperoni, hot sauce and paprika; pulse until smooth. Transfer to bowl; cover and chill until firm, about 1 hr.
2. Evenly divide remaining 2 oz. cream cheese between 2 small bowls. Color one bowl black and remaining bowl orange with food coloring. Transfer to separate plastic sandwich bags; snip ¼” hole in one corner of each bag.
3. Mold cheese mixture into pumpkin shape; roll in remaining Cheddar to coat. Place on platter. Using black cream cheese, outline face features; fill in with orange cheese. Pipe remaining orange cheese in lines around pumpkin. For stem, insert celery. Chill until ready to serve. Garnish with leaves. Serve with vegetables and crackers.