Chocolate Chip Cheese Ball

I got this recipe out of an old Quick Cooking magazine. I remember when I found it ~ we were heading to Des Moines for Thanksgiving, and my annual Christmas Party (for my girlfriends, remember?) was coming up so I had that on my brain. Always in search of a great recipe, I grabbed all the Christmas issues and brought with for the trip. Paging through one, I found this recipe and knew I'd have to try it. It was delish! I served it with small chocolate chip cookies and chocolate graham cracker sticks, and it was a hit!

8 oz. Philadelphia cream cheese, softened
1/2 C. butter, soft
1/4 tsp. vanilla
3/4 C. powdered sugar
2 Tbsp. brown sugar
3/4 C. Nestle mini-chocolate chips
3/4 C. chopped pecans, optional

Beat cream cheese and butter until fluffy. Add vanilla, powdered sugar and brown sugar and beat until combined. Stir in chocolate chips, then cover and refrigerate 2 hours. Place on plastic wrap and shape into a ball. Refrigerate at least one hour. Just before serving, roll in chopped pecans if desired.

NOTE: I was just thinking that with the cream cheese in this recipe, it might be good spread on a toasted bagel on a cool morning!

Hot Caramel Apple Cider

Doesn't that sound yummy? And, oh, it's so easy! Just pour yourself a mug of apple cider and squeeze in a few squirts of caramel ice cream topping. Heat in the microwave and stir in a few drops of vanilla and you're all set. If you wanted to make this fancy, you could spray some whipped cream on top and drizzle with more caramel syrup. I'm embarrassed to say that my girls and I have gone through a whole gallon of cider already this week! Gotta put the brakes on! =)

Happy Fall everyone!

Leah's Chicken Salad

1 1/2 C. Miracle Whip
2 tsp. lemon pepper
1/2 tsp. onion salt
3 shakes dried onion flakes
2 stalks celery, diced
1/2 C. shredded carrots
1/2 C. toasted almonds
Shredded chicken breasts

Combine all ingredients and let sit several hours or overnight. Great inside cream puffs!