Cheddar Pumpkin Appetizers

 Guests will enjoy clever edible pumpkins, whether served as an appetizer or used as a garnish. 

Ingredients:

8

tablespoons smoked Cheddar cold pack cheese food (from 8-oz container), well chilled

2

teaspoons finely chopped peanuts 

4

butter-flavored pretzel spindles or sticks, broken in half

16

tiny pieces fresh parsley leaves

Steps:

• 1

  Line small serving plate with waxed paper. Roll each level tablespoon cold pack cheese food into a ball; place on waxed paper-lined serving plate. Refrigerate 10 to 15 minutes for easier handling.
• 2

  With end of toothpick, draw ridges around balls to resemble pumpkins. Dip bottoms of cheese balls in chopped peanuts.
• 3

  Just before serving, insert pretzel halves into cheese balls for pumpkin stems. Decorate with parsley for leaves. Store in refrigerator.