Chocolate Chip Cheese Ball

Once upon a time, I went to parties and picnics with my family and I was young enough to not have to bring food to contribute.  My parents took care of that.  When the time finally came for me to attend a "grown up" party on my own and I was asked to bring an appetizer or dessert, this was one of the first things that I chose to make.  Straight out of my mom's recipe box, I have also made it many a time for get-togethers at my own house.  No matter the occasion, it is always a hit.  The only problem people seem to have is that once you start, you just can't stop eating it!

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 8 oz. package cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup butter, softened (do not substitute spread or margarine)
• 1/3 tsp. vanilla
• 3/4 cup confectioners' sugar
• 2 Tbsp. brown sugar
• 3/4 cup mini semi sweet chocolate chips
• 3/4 cup finely chopped pecans
• pretzels and/or graham cracker sticks for dipping

DIRECTIONS:

1. Mix cheese, butter and vanilla until fluffy. Add sugars gradually and beat until combined.
2. Stir in chips. Cover and refrigerate 2 hours or overnight. 
3. Place on large sheet of plastic wrap. Shape into ball.  Wrap and refrigerate at least one hour.
4. Before serving, roll in pecans. Serve with chocolate graham crackers.

Difficulty: easy, though this isn't a last-minute appetizer and is definitely easier if you have a stand mixer

Time:  the hands-on time is minimal - maybe 15 minutes.  However, there is refrigeration time necessary.

Source: my mom - many, many years ago