MONSTER MASH SPREAD

1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
2 cups (8 ounces) shredded Monterey jack
cheese with jalapeño peppers
1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
1/4 cup finely chopped green onions
Green Onion Curls (recipe follows, optional)
Assorted crackers
Line 8- or 9-inch round cake pan with aluminum foil. Spray with
nonstick cooking spray; set aside.
Combine cream cheese, Monterey jack cheese, bell pepper and chopped
green onions in medium bowl; mix well. Spoon into prepared pan; press
mixture evenly into pan. Cover; refrigerate 1 to 2 hours or overnight.
When ready to serve, invert pan onto large platter or serving tray;
remove pan. Discard foil. Garnish with Green Onion Curls, if desired.
Serve with crackers.
Tip: Substitute shredded Cheddar cheese for Monterey jack cheese with
jalapeno peppers. Drain 1 (4 ounce) can chopped green chiles and stir
into cheese mixture before spreading into prepared pan.

Green Onion Curls

Makes several curls.
3 to 4 green onions (tops only)
Using scissors or small knife, cut each green onion lengthwise into
long, narrow strips; place in bowl of ice water. Refrigerate until
strips are curled, about 2 hours or overnight.