Merry Cheese Wreath

A delicious appetizer cheese spread formed into the shape of a festive holiday wreath and garnished with red bell pepper and fresh parsley.

Recipe Ingredients:

3 (8-ounce each) packages cream cheese, softened
3 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
3/4 cup chopped pitted ripe olives
3/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
3 tablespoons chopped red pepper
1 envelope dry ranch salad dressing mix
Additional chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Additonal finely chopped red pepper for garnish
Assorted crackers for accompaniment

Cooking Directions:

1. In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese and shredded cheese with an electric mixer on medium speed until well blended.
2. Stir in remaining ingredients and mix well. Cover and refrigerate several hours or overnight.
3. Place a drinking glass in the center of a serving platter. Drop spoonfuls of cheese mixture around the glass to form a ring; smooth with spatula. Remove glass.
4. Garnish by gently pressing additional parsley onto the ring; then creating "ornaments" or a "bow" with the red peppers, if desired.
5. Serve with cheese spread with assorted crackers.

Makes 30 servings.