This appetizer treat is always a big hit at tailgate and Super Bowl parties for both presentation and taste. A yummy mixture of cream cheese, cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese is shaped in the form of a football, roll in finely chopped toasted pecans, with thin strips of roasted red pepper used as the 'laces'.

Cheesy Football

2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (8 ounces)
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup chopped green onions

1 tablespoon sugar (optional)

1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 cup chopped pecans, toasted

Roasted red pepper strips

1. Using an electric mixer, beat cream cheese and mayonnaise on medium speed until well blended.
2. Add onions, sugar, if desired, salt and black pepper; mix well. Cover and refrigerate several hours or overnight.
3. Form cheese mixture into football shape; roll in pecans.
4. Garnish with sliced roasted red pepper strips for the "lacing," if desired.

Makes about 30 servings.