TAHOE/TRUCKEE – This is the perfect time of the year to serve guests a snowman cheese ball. It is so much fun to decorate that even small children will have fun making the snowman come to life. The recipe is easy to make and can be mixed together the night before. Then, have the young ones decorate just before serving. If you have a favorite holiday recipe to share e-mail jeick@tahoebonanza.com.

3 packages (8 ounce) of cream cheese, softened

2 cups finely shredded cheddar cheese

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2 tablespoons traditional basil pesto

1and#8260;3 cup finely chopped blanched almonds

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2 black olives

2 pretzel sticks

1 cucumber

1 small carrot

1 red bell pepper

2 sprigs of fresh thyme leaves

1. Mix cream cheese and cheddar cheese together.

2. Add pesto and mix well.

3. Cover and refrigerate for about four hours (or overnight).

4. Remove from refrigerator and shape into two balls and#8212; one large for the base and one small for the head.

5. Roll each ball in crushed almonds.

6. Place large ball on bottom of a serving plate, add small one for head and press together slightly.

7. Add pretzel sticks for arms.

8. Cut olives into two slices for buttons and two ends for eyes.

9. Cut off the tip of the carrot for the nose.

10. Cut off a circle from the red pepper for the mouth.

11. Slice the end off the cucumber for the top hat and one thin slice for the brim of the hat.

12. Add thyme around the two sections for a scarf.

Refrigerate until ready to use. Serve with crackers.