Chocolate Chip Cheese Ball

Contrary to my frequent declarations, I can cook. Well, let me amend that-- I can make a cheese ball.

It was such a surprise to win the August LNO dessert contest. This chocolate chip cheese ball was one treat amongst gooey brownies, tangy lemon meringue and citrus flavored treats, banana pudding, oh-so-creamy chocolate pie, fabulous pineapple upside down cake, a red pepper eggplant dip (Big, big yum!), and more!

INGREDIENTS:
1 (8 ounce) package cream
cheese, softened
1/2 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup confectioners' sugar2 tablespoons brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup miniature semisweet
chocolate chips
3/4 cup finely chopped pecans


1. In a medium bowl, beat together cream cheese and butter until smooth. Mix in confectioners' sugar, brown sugar, and vanilla. Stir in chocolate chips. Cover, and chill in the refrigerator for 2 hours.

2. Shape chilled cream cheese mixture into a ball. Wrap with plastic, and chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour.

3. Roll the cheese ball in finely chopped pecans before serving.

Serve with your favorite graham cracker sticks (try honey, cinnamon, or chocolate).