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FYI..some time back Alton Brown did a “Good Eats” episode where he scientifically proved that washing mushrooms does absolutely no harm to them..that they absorb NO water if they are washed.

In my Johnny Carson voice
....“ I…I did NOT KNOW THAT!!!” …thanks

CHOCOLATE CHIP CHEESE BALL

I usually label this cheese ball so guest are aware of its difference
INGREDIENTS:
• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup confectioners' sugar
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips (reserve some for rolling with pecans)
• 3/4 cup finely chopped pecans
DIRECTIONS:
1. In a medium bowl, beat together cream cheese and butter until smooth. Mix in confectioners' sugar, brown sugar and vanilla. Stir in chocolate chips. Cover, and chill in the refrigerator for 2 hours.
2. Shape chilled cream cheese mixture into a ball. Wrap with plastic, and chill in the refrigerator for 2 hour. (though best if overnight, rolls into ball easier)
3. Roll the cheese ball in finely chopped pecans before serving.
4. Serve with chocolate teddy grahams, pretzels, vanilla wafers, cinnamon sugar pita chips, etcoption: cover in chocolate buttercream frosting, over the chopped pecans
OR either with heath bar, snickers, butterfinger, toffee, crushed Oreo's pieces, M&Ms, decorator sprinkles etc…