1 8-oz. pkg. cream cheese
4 oz. aged cheddar cheese, finely crumbled
1/4 cup butter
1 Tbsp. half-and-half, light cream, or milk
1 1/2 tsp. finely shredded orange peel
1/3 cup finely chopped pecans
1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
2/3 cup chopped fresh parsley, chopped pecans, and/or finely chopped green onions
Assorted crackers

1. In a large bowl let cream cheese, crumbled cheese, and butter stand at room temperature for 30 minutes. In a food processor combine cream cheese, crumbled cheese, butter, half-and-half, and orange peel. Cover; process until combined and mixture is still slightly chunky. Return to large bowl. Stir in 1/3 cup chopped pecans and 1/4 cup chopped green onions. Cover; chill for 30 to 60 minutes or until mixture is easy to handle. Shape mixture into a ball. Wrap with plastic wrap and chill for 4 to 24 hours.

2. To serve, let cheese ball stand 15 minutes. Roll cheese ball in additional chopped parsley, nuts, and/or green onions. Serve with crackers. Makes 2 3/4 cups (about 22 servings).

For snacking or pre-meal appetizers, create a platter with smoked salmon, cheese, toasted baguette slices, olives, and crudités. Include a dip made of 1 teaspoon chopped fresh dill stirred into a container of crème fraîche.