The Nutsnacker

By Chef_Madel

Toast the season's riches with this snappy new spread. Formed in a nutshell of crisp, crunchy Blue Diamond Almonds and made especially creamy with KRAFT Real Mayonnaise. As a holiday appetizer, its flavor is so scrumptious your guests will go simply nutty.

Ingredients

• 1 1/4 cups Blue Diamond Whole Natural Almonds
• 1 8-oz. pkg. Philadelphia Brand Cream Cheese
• 1/2 cup Kraft Real Mayonnaise
• 5 crisply cooked bacon slices, crumbled
• 1 tablespoon chopped green onion
• 1/2 teaspoon dill weed
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper

Preparation

Step 1

Spread almonds in a single layer in shallow pan. Bake at 300 F, 15 minutes, stirring often, until almonds just begin to turn color.

Combine softened cream cheese and mayonnaise; mix well. Add bacon, onion, dill and pepper;mix well. Cover; chill overnight. Form cheese mixture into shapes for two pinecones on serving platter. Beginning at narrow end, press almonds at slight angle into cheese mixture in rows. Continue overlapping rows until all cheese is covered. Garnish with artificial pine sprigs. Serve with crackers. 1 1/2 cups.