Almond Pinecone Cheeseball

Want something simple that is also simply delicious for your upcoming holiday meal? I originally posted this recipe on November 2, 2012, but it's been a big hit in our family for many years before that and has become a holiday staple. The filling can be made the day before and refrigerated overnight, another reason I love it!

Hope you enjoy this oldie but goody!

There are only two things I have to say about this recipe. 

1. EVERYONE loves it!
2. I am always asked for the recipe.

I have been making this as a holiday appetizer for as long as I can remember cooking holiday meals (that's a long time). 

Here's what you need.

• 1 1/4 cups (1 can) Smoked Almonds. I use Smokehouse brand.
• 8 oz. Cream Cheese
• 1/2 cup Mayonnaise
• 5 crisply cooked bacon slices, crumbled.
• 1 Tablespoon finely chopped onion
• 1/2 teaspoon dill weed
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper

Here's what you do.

• Fry bacon very slowly (low heat) so it will cook extra crispy.
• Drain bacon on a paper towel until it cools. It will then crumble very easily.
• Combine softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, crumbled bacon, finely chopped onion, dill weed, and pepper. Mix well.
• Cover and chill several hours or overnight.
• Form the mixture into two pinecone shapes on serving plate.
• Beginning at the narrow end, press almonds at a slight angle into cheese mixture in rows.
• Continue overlapping rows until all cheese is covered.
• Garnish with artificial or real (washed well) pine sprigs.
• Serve with crackers.

Makes 1 1/2 cups

Idea! Let older children put the almonds on while you're working on something else. A good way for them to help.