Bacon Jalapeno Cheese Ball

Ingredients

• 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (4 ounces)
• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
• Pinch of cayenne
• 1 teaspoon lime juice
• 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 jalapeños, stems and seeds removed, diced, divided
• 6 pieces cooked bacon, crumbled, divided (about 6 ounces)
• Salt to taste
• 1/4 cup chopped pecans, roasted
• Crackers for serving

Directions

• Mix together the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, cilantro, garlic, cumin, cayenne, lime juice, Worcestershire sauce, half of the diced jalapeños and half of the crumbled cooked bacon. Taste and adjust seasonings and add salt.
• Place the roasted pecans and remaining diced jalapeños and bacon on a plate. Stir together so well mixed. With your hands, roll the cheese mixture into a ball, then place on the plate and roll in the jalapeños, bacon and pecans until covered.
• Chill covered for at least an hour before serving. Serve with crackers.

Traditional Ginger Snaps

At work every year before Christmas we have a "grazing" table where we all sign up to bring munchies to share with everyone else.  Today was the first day and I chose to bring Ginger Snaps. These are quite delicious and I have to say it's a good recipe.  Your family and friends will enjoy them as well.  As always, Bon Appétit!

Ginger Snaps

Yield: 2 to 3 dozen cookies

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooling Time: 30 minutes

1 cup sugar
1/4 cup molasses
2 teaspoons baking soda
1/2 teaspoon cloves
1 egg
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ginger
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
3/4 cup shortening

Mix all ingredients.  Roll into balls, then roll in sugar.  Cook on top rack in 350 degree oven for 8-10 minutes.