Toffee Chip Cheese Ball!

This "Toffee Chip Cheese Ball" is a little different as far as 'cheese balls' go!  It's a sweet cheese ball that is great served with fruit slices or graham crackers or even something like vanilla wafers or shortbread cookies!   This goes over really well with those who might not care for the savory cheese balls!   We served it a few weeks ago at my niece's bridal shower with apple slices and graham crackers.  With the apples it reminds me of a caramel apple and it's great for a Fall party or gathering!

Here is what you will need:

 2 (8 oz.) pkgs. cream cheese, softened

4 Tbs. butter, softened

1/2 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup confectioners sugar

1 tsp. vanilla

1 cup mini chocolate chips

1  (8 oz.) pkg. Heath milk chocolate English toffee bits

2 cups dry roasted peanuts, chopped fine

apple slices, graham crackers, vanilla wafers or shortbread cookies for serving

In a large mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter together until well blended with an electric mixer.   Blend in the brown sugar, confectioners sugar and vanilla.  Stir in the mini chocolate chips and the Heath toffee bits.    This will be very soft.  Pull as much as you can away from the sides of the bowl into a ball shape.  Cover with plastic wrap, leaving it in the bowl and place in the refrigerator for 3-4 hours or overnight.   This needs to be very cold or you won't be able to form the cheese ball. 

Place the finely chopped dry roasted peanuts on a large piece of wax paper.  Remove the cheese ball from the bowl and with your hands form into a smooth ball shape.  Lay it in the peanuts and roll it to coat all sides.   When it is all coated in the peanuts lay it gently on a serving plate.   This is a semi soft cheese ball, so it must be very cold and you have to work fast.    

Place apple slices and graham crackers around the edges for serving!  Or you can use whatever you like for serving!   If you do not have time to chill this or don't want to take the time, you can place it in a serving bowl and serve as a dip instead of a cheese ball. Just sprinkle the top with the chopped nuts.   I think the cheese ball makes a prettier presentation, but they both taste the same!