Chocolate Chip Cheese Ball

8 oz cream cheese- softened
½ C butter- softened
¼ t vanilla
¾ C sugar
2T brown sugar
¾ C mini chocolate chips
¾ C chopped pecans

Beat cheese, butter, vanilla until fluffy. Gradually add sugars. Beat until just combined. Stir in chips. Cover and refrigerate 2 hours. Shape into ball, cover in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour. Just before serving roll in pecans. Serve with graham crackers.

This came from a recipe book I was perusing at my MIL's. I think it was one from Taste of Home. It's delicious. I've taken it to recipe exchange and it was a big hit. If you can find the stick graham cracker, I think they work best. Chocolate stick graham crackers are even better.

Hot Artichoke Dip

Heat oven to 350


½ C Miracle Whip
½ C Mayo
14 oz can artichoke hearts- drained and chopped
4oz grated parmesan cheese
1 clove garlic- minced
Chopped tomato and green onion for garnish



Mix Miracle Whip, mayo, artichoke, garlic, and cheese. Spoon into 9” pie plate. Bake 20-25 min. Garnish and serve warm with baguettes, crackers or chips.

The original came from an awesome cookbook called "30 Minutes or Less". I bought in college from someone doing a fundraiser. It called for a whole cup of Miracle Whip--no mayo. My hubby likes to make this with no mayo and use sour cream instead. So you do whatever makes your taste buds happy.