Cranberry Orange Cheese Ball

Cheese Ball
1 C dried cranberries, chopped
1/4 C frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed
16 oz cream cheese, softened to room temp
1/4 C confectioners' sugar

Caramelized Pecans
3/4 C pecans, coarsely chopped
1 T butter
2 T sugar

Crackers, for serving

Chop cranberries in a food processor or blender.

Add cream cheese, OJ and sugar.  Blend in processor until all is creamed together.

Place onto sheet of wax paper and shape into a ball the best you can.  Let it chill overnight to stiffen up a bit.  You can shape it better the next day when it is a little harder.

For pecans, melt butter in a pan on medium heat.  Add pecans and sugar and mix well stirring frequently, about 3-5 minutes.  Do not let pecans burn!

Place pecans on a sheet of waxed paper spreading them out to let cool.

Right before serving, take cheese ball from fridge and press pecans all over until covered.  Place cheese ball on a plate or platter and serve with crackers such as Ritz.

I am bringing this for Thanksgiving dinner 2012!