Shelly's Recipe

PECAN APPETIZER SPREAD

Category: Spreads -- Cold

1 cup pecan halves, divided
1 (8 oz) pkg cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup confectioners sugar
2 tbsp milk
1 tbsp freshly grated orange zest
1 tsp fresh orange juice
Assorted crackers
Fresh flat-leaf parsley sprigs (optional)

Reserve 16 pecan halves for topping. Grind remaining pecans in food processor; set aside.

In large bowl combine cream cheese and confectioners sugar; mix well until smooth. Add ground pecans, milk, orange zest and orange juice; mix well.

Spread 1 tbsp of mixture over each cracker. Place one pecan half on top of spread. Garnish with parsley, if desired. Yield: 1 cup spread (16 servings)