Just in time for last minute get-togethers! [cheeseball and a reuben spread & favorite cookie links]

my family's favorite sugar cookies.

and another sweet favorite would be peppermint bark (made with the microwave). sorry, no photos of following recipes, I guess we ate them to quickly...

And for something on the not-so-sweet side... sorry, no photo of the reuben spread recipe, next time I make some I will try to remember to take a photo. 

Terry's Ranch Cream Cheese Ball

(Serve with crackers)

-2 (8 oz.) packages cream cheese, softened

-3 1/2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese

-1 package Hidden Valley Ranch salad dressing mix

-2 cups chopped pecans, toasted In a large mixing bowl (or kitchen aid bowl with paddle attachment), mix together the cream cheese, shredded cheese, and dressing mix. After beaten, form into a large ball. Roll in toasted pecans to coat to surface. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.

*To toast pecans, bake in oven at 350 F. for 10 minutes.

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Reuben Spread

(Serve with crackers or a round loaf of rye bread. Scoop out the center and fill the "bowl" with the heated spread. Have an extra on hand to cut up into chunks to serve around the bread bowl.)

-8 oz. cream cheese, cubed
-16 oz. swiss cheese, shredded
-5 oz. corned beef, chopped
-12 oz. sauerkraut
-3 tablespoons thousand island dressing

Mix all the ingredients together in a crock pot, let heat threw for 2 hours. Keep warm until ready to serve.