Posted in The Summer Kitchen

 I suppose it's wrong to post this recipe on the heels of my swimsuit moan. (Though it explains my difficulty. LOL)

 I've made this for my husband to take to the hospital and I always get called for the recipe.  I took it to our homeschool co-op picnic and had to email it, so I thought I'd post it here! You can modify this as you wish and it will still be yummy. Though I LOVE Paula Deen (and also cook with butter only) I don't always use an entire stick. I think it helps with the consistency, because when I reduce it, it is softer and more "spreadable." Most of the time I start with two bricks of cream cheese and just go "by guess and by gosh" from there! For a twist you can omit the chocolate chips and add Heath bits.

1 pkg. (8oz) cream cheese softened

1/2 cup butter, softened (no substitutes)

 1/4 tsp. vanilla

3/4 cup confectioners sugar

2 Tbsp. brown sugar

 3/4 cup mini choc chips

3/4 cup finely chopped pecans

Graham crackers, regular, cinnamon and chocolate, and or assorted cookies.

 In a bowl, beat cream cheese, butter, vanilla until fluffy. Gradually add sugars. Beat until just combined. Stir in chocolate chips. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours. Place cream cheese mixture on a large piece of plastic wrap and shape into a ball. Refrigerate for another hour. Just before serving, roll in pecans if desired. Serve with graham crackers or cookies of choice.