Almond Pinecones Recipe

Spread almonds in a single layer in shallow pan. Bake at 300, 15 minutes, stirring often, until almonds just begin to turn color*.

Combine cream cheese and mayonnaise; mix well. Add crumbled bacon, chopped onion, dill and pepper; mix well. Cover and chill overnight. To serve, form cheese mixture into shapes of 2 pinecones on serving platter. Beginning at narrow end, press almonds at slight angle into cheese mixture in rows. Continue overlapping rows until all cheese is covered. Garnish with artificial pine sprigs. Serve as appetizer with crackers.

*Note: If you wish to give the almonds greater interest, toast them with a seasoned mixture. Put in a shallow pan or cookie tray, spray lightly with oil and toss with a mixture of powdered butermilk, garlic powder, onion powder and salt to taste (or ranch dressing mix). Bake at 300 until just lightly browned. Let cool, and then proceed as above.