Savory Cheese Truffles

1 container (8 ounces) cream cheese spread
1 garlic clove, pressed
1/4 teaspoon Tabasco® hot pepper sauce (optional)
1 package (8 ounces) finely shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup coarsely chopped almonds, pecans or snipped fresh parsley
Assorted crackers (optional)

In Classic Batter Bowl, combine cream cheese spread, garlic and pepper sauce, if desired; mix well. Add cheddar cheese to cream cheese mixture (mixture will be stiff). Using Small Scoop, drop level scoops of cheese mixture onto cutting board. Coat cheese balls in almonds, pecans or parsley. Serve using Stainless Serving Picks with assorted crackers, if desired. Yield: About 30 truffles

Nutrients per serving: (1 truffle): Calories 70, Total Fat 6 g, Saturated Fat 3.5 g, Cholesterol 15 mg, Carbohydrate 1 g, Protein 3 g, Sodium 75 mg, Fiber 0 g

Variations: Smoky Bacon Cheese Truffles: Add 1/2 cup crisply cooked and crumbled bacon and 1/4 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper to the cream cheese mixture. Proceed as recipe directs.

Pimento-Olive Cheese Truffles: Add 1/2 cup coarsely chopped pimento-stuffed green olives to the cream cheese mixture. Proceed as recipe directs.

Pampered Chef