Title: Festive Cheese Spread
Categories: Spread Cheese Microwave
Yield: 1 1/2 cups

1	c	Sliced almonds
1	tb	Butter or margarine
5	sl	Bacon
8	oz	Pkg cream cheese
1/2	c	Sour cream
2		Green onions, sliced
2	oz	Jar diced pimiento, drained
1/2	ts	Dill weed
1/4	ts	Paprika
2	dr	Hot pepper sauce

Combine almonds and butter in a 2 cup glass measure. Microwave (high), uncovered, 3 to 4 minutes or until almonds are lightly browned, stirring twice. Set aside.

Arrange bacon in a single layer on paper toweling on microwave-safe meat rack or plate. Cover with paper towel. Microwave (high) 4 to 5 minutes or until bacon is crisp, rotating dish once. Set aside.

Place crea cheese in a 1 quart glass mix & pour bowl. Microwave (high) 30 to 45 seconds or until softened. Stir until smooth. Add remaining ingredients except almonds. Crumble bacon and add to cheese mixture. Mix well. Cover and refrigerate about 2 hours.

Sprinkle about half the almonds on sheet of plastic wrap. Spoon cheese mixture onto almonds. Sprinkle with remaining almonds. Bring plastic wrap around cheese, pressing almonds into cheese and forming a ball. Wrap tightly and refrigerate. To serve, unwrap and place ball on serving plate, surrounded by assorted crackers.

*Cheese mixtuer can be prepared serveral days ahead. Coat with almonds a few hours before serving so they retain their crispness.

*Almonds can be omitted and cheese mixture may be served in a crock or serving dish.

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