Dead-Head Spread

 I got this idea several years ago at a cooking class I attended.  My kids think it is the coolest thing.  It's always a big hit whenever I take it to a Halloween Party!!!  It's much easier than it looks to put it together.

 Step One:  with soap and water wash a Mardi-Gras mask (available at most craft stores) and dry completely.

 Step Two:  Layer thin slices of ham inside the mask.  Don't forget to push it into the nose and chin areas.

Step Three:  Fill with Cheese Ball mixture (recipe below) again making sure you get it into the nose and chin area well.  Trim any over-hanging ham.  Refrigerate for 2-3 hours or until firm 

 Step Four:  Invert onto serving platter.  With a sharp knife, cut slits into eyes.  Carefully dig a hole for the eyeball.  Insert eyes.  (I used some small balls I had around the house and a marker for the pupil.)

Step Five:  Cut nostrils and a slit to open up the mouth. 

 

CHEESE-BALL

2 (8 oz) packages of cream cheese, softened

1 cup crushed pineapple, drained

1/2 cup finely diced green pepper

1 tbs seasoning salt

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 cup chopped pecans

1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)

Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl.  Spoon into mold or sprinkle 1/2 cup chopped pecans onto a large piece of plastic wrap.  Spoon mixture into middle of nuts and fold plastic wrap over forming a ball shape.  Refrigerate 2-3 hours or until firm.

Serve with crackers, bagel chips, pretzels, or vegetables.