SPINACH & CHEESE SPREAD WITH ALMONDS

By jarren

Ingredients

• 1 cup tightly packed baby spinach leaves
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 clove garlic
• 1 8-ounce package cream cheese, softened
• 1 8-ounce package shredded Italian cheese blend
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/3 cup sliced almonds. toasted
• Ritz crackers

Preparation

Step 1

Process spinach, oil and garlic in food processor until well blended. Add next 3 ingredients; process until well blended. Shape into 4-inch oval on sheet of waxed paper.

Insert nuts in rows to completely cover cream cheese mixture to resemble pine cone.

Refrigerate 2 hours. Remove from refrigerator 15 min. before serving. Serve with crackers.


Prep Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes

Size Wise: Enjoy eating appetizers at a social occasion, but be mindful of portion size so you don't overdo it on calories.

Special Extra: Mix 1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce into cream cheese mixture before shaping as directed.

Make Ahead: Cheese spread can be stored in refrigerator up to 5 days before serving.