Cheesy Football

This appetizer treat is always a big hit at tailgate and Super Bowl parties for both presentation and taste. A yummy mixture of cream cheese, cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese is shaped in the form of a football, roll in finely chopped toasted pecans, with thin strips of roasted red pepper used as the 'laces'.

Recipe Ingredients:

2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (8 ounces)
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup chopped green onions
1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 cup chopped pecans, toasted
Roasted red pepper strips

Cooking Directions:

1. Using an electric mixer, beat cream cheese and mayonnaise on medium speed until well blended.
2. Add onions, sugar, if desired, salt and black pepper; mix well. Cover and refrigerate several hours or overnight.
3. Form cheese mixture into football shape; roll in pecans.
4. Garnish with sliced roasted red pepper strips for the "lacing," if desired.

Makes about 30 servings.