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,

Lentil Soup

Wholesome Lentil Soup

1   package (12 oz. or 2 cups) lentils
2   large (about 1/4 Ib. total) onions, chopped
6   cups regular-strength chicken broth
4  cups water
2  pounds carrots, thinly sliced
2  cups sliced celery
1   can (28 oz.) Italian-style tomatoes
2   teaspoons each dried basil leaves and dried thyme leaves
3   dried bay leaves
1   teaspoon each fennel seed and pepper

Sort lentils for debris; rinse and drain lentils.

In an 8- to 10-quart pan over high heat, boil onions with 1/2 cup broth until liquid evaporates and onions begin to brown. Add remaining broth; stir to free browned bits. Add lentils, water, carrots, celery, tomatoes and their liquid, basil, thyme, bay, fennel seed, and pepper.

Cover, bring to a boil, and simmer until lentils are soft to bite, about 1 hour. Serve, or if making ahead, let soup cool, cover, and chill up to 3 days. Makes about 5 quarts; serves 10 to 12.

Per serving: 185 cal. (6.3 percent from fat); 11 g protein: 1.3 ff fat (0.3 a sat); 34 g carbo.; 279 mg sodium; 0 mg chol.

Baked Zucchinni with Mushrooms

Baked Zucchini with Mushrooms

1   pound mushrooms, rinsed
1   medium-size (about 6 oz.) onion
About l/3 cups regular-strength chicken broth
3   large eggs
4   large (about 2 Ib. total) zucchini, ends trimmed, shredded
1/2   cup fine dried bread crumbs !4   cup grated parmesan cheese
1/2   teaspoon each dried oregano leaves and pepper
2   tablespoons minced green onion

Thinly slice mushrooms and chop on­ion; combine in a 10- to 12-inch frying pan with l/i cup water. Stir often on high heat until liquid evaporates and browned bits stick to pan. To deglaze pan, add l/3 cup broth; stir browned bits free. Boil dry and stir often until onion begins to brown. Repeat deglazing step until onion is golden brown, 2 or 3 more times, using 1A cup broth each time.

In a bowl, beat eggs to blend; stir in zucchini, crumbs, cheese, oregano, pep­per, and mushroom mixture. Pour into a buttered, 10- by 12-inch shallow oval casserole (or 9- by 13-in. rectangle). Bake in a 325° oven until mixture is set in center when shaken, about 45 min­utes; top with green onion. Serves 8.

Per serving: 106 cal. (30 percent from fat); 7.1 g protein; 3.5 g fat (1.2 g sat.); 13 g carbo.; 129 rag sodium; 82 mg chol.