Ingredients
- 16 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1.5 cups sharp cheddar, freshly grated
- ¾ cup dried cranberries, finely chopped
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp kosher salt, to taste
- ¾ cup pecans, toasted and finely chopped, for “cap”
- ½ cup crushed buttery crackers or blanched almonds, for “body”
- 1 pretzel stick, for the stem
- 1 tsp honey or finely minced rosemary (optional)
Equipment
- mixing bowl
- hand mixer or sturdy spatula
- plastic wrap
- Skillet for toasting nuts
Method
- Toast pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat 4 to 5 minutes. Cool.
- In a bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Mix in cheddar, cranberries, Dijon, Worcestershire, garlic powder, pepper, and salt.
- Transfer to plastic wrap. Shape into an oval with a pointed end to resemble an acorn. Chill 15 minutes to firm.
- Roll the top third in chopped pecans for the cap. Roll the lower two thirds in crushed crackers or almonds.
- Insert a pretzel stick for the stem. Chill 30 to 120 minutes until set. Serve with crackers, celery, and apple slices.
Nutrition
Calories: 230kcalCarbohydrates: 7gProtein: 7gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 35mgSodium: 240mgPotassium: 120mgFiber: 1gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 600IUCalcium: 180mgIron: 0.6mg
Notes
Subs: Pecans can be swapped for walnuts, almonds, or crushed pretzels. Use tamari instead of Worcestershire.
Nut-free: Use crushed pretzels or seeds instead of nuts for coating.
Equipment: Mixing bowl, hand mixer or sturdy spatula, plastic wrap, skillet for toasting nuts.
Alternate Shapes: Try shaping into a pumpkin, turkey, or hedgehog for different presentations.
Safety Tip: Keep chilled and do not leave out for more than 2 hours.
Nut-free: Use crushed pretzels or seeds instead of nuts for coating.
Equipment: Mixing bowl, hand mixer or sturdy spatula, plastic wrap, skillet for toasting nuts.
Alternate Shapes: Try shaping into a pumpkin, turkey, or hedgehog for different presentations.
Safety Tip: Keep chilled and do not leave out for more than 2 hours.
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