Pumpkin Cheese Ball

Ingredients: 

1 package (8 ounces) light cream cheese

½ cup canned pumpkin

1 can (8 ounces) crushed pineapple, drained

2 cups 2% reduced fat shredded cheese

1 package (2 ½ ounces) dried beef, chopped

4 green onions finely chopped, reserve green section

Celery leaves for a stem (optional)

Wheat crackers

Directions: 

• 1. In a mixing bowl beat cream cheese, pumpkin and pineapple. Stir in cheese, beef and onion. Shape into a ball.
• 2. Place on a serving platter. Score sides to resemble a pumpkin. Use reserved top of green onion or celery leaves for a stem.
• 3. Serve with crackers.

Yield:   16 servings, 3 tablespoons spread and 6 wheat crackers

Nutrition information per serving: 150 calories, 7.8g protein, 18g carbohydrate, 5.5g fat, 3.3g saturated fat, 18mg cholesterol, 2.8g dietary fiber, 280mg sodium

Exchanges per serving: 1 starch, ½ meat, 1 fat

Source:  Adapted recipe by Rachel Vincent, RD,LD

St. John Medical Center