Halloween, Thanksgiving & Fall Pumpkin Cheese Ball

prep: 30 min.. chill: 4 hrs. 2 (8-ounce) blocks extra-sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded 1 (8-ounce)

package cream cheese, softened
1  (8-ounce) container chive-and- onion cream cheese
2 teaspoons paprika
1/2 teaspoon ground red pepper
1 broccoli stalk
Red and green apple wedges

COMBINE Cheddar cheese and next 4 ingredients in a bowl until blended. Cover and chill 4 hours or until mix­ture is firm enough to be shaped.

SHAPE mixture into a ball to resemble a pumpkin. Smooth entire outer sur­face with a frosting spatula or table knife. Make vertical grooves in ball, if desired, using fingertips.

CUT florets from broccoli stalk, and re­serve for another use. Cut stalk to re­semble a pumpkin stem, and press into top of cheese ball. Serve cheese ball with apple wedges.

NOTE: To make ahead, wrap cheese ball in plastic wrap without stalk, and store in refrigerator up to 2 days. Aiiaeh sialk before serving,

Fall Lighted Pumpkins – A New Idea

Hearty Baked Pork and Apple Stew

Hearty Baked Pork and Apple Stew

2   pounds pork shoulder (fat trimmed), cut into 2-inch chunks
1   large (3/4 Ib.) onion, chopped
1/2   cup water
1/2  cups regular-strength beef broth
1  cup apple butter
1   large (1/2 Ib.) bell pepper, stemmed, seeded, and sliced
1%   cups sliced carrots ‘/2   cup sliced celery
3   large (l’/2 Ib. total) Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and sliced

Place pork, onion, and water in an ovenproof 5- to 6-quart pan over high heat. Cover, bring to a boil, and boil for 10 minutes; stir occasionally. Uncover and stir often until moisture evaporates and pan drippings are dark brown, about 5 minutes.

Add broth and apple butter; stir to free browned drippings. Bake, covered, in a 350° oven for 30 minutes. Stir in bell pepper, carrots, celery, and apples. Continue to bake, covered, until meat is very tender when pierced, about 1 hour longer. Serves 6.

Per serving: 316 cal. (23 percent from fat); 20 g protein; 8.2 g fat (2.6 g sat.); 42 g carbo.; 97 mg sodium; 63 mg chol.