Grand Old Flag Cheese Spread

Ingredients

• 8 ounces softened cream cheese
• 1/4 cup shredded monterey jack and cheddar cheese blend (Mexican style blend)
• 2 tablespoons sliced pitted black olives
• 1/4 cup salsa (Thick 'N Chunky)
• Ritz crackers

Directions

1. 1

   Place cream cheese between two sheets of waxed paper.

2. 2

   Roll out to 6x4-inch rectangle with rolling pin.

3. 3

   Remove top sheet of waxed paper; coat top and sides of cream cheese with shredded cheese.

4. 4

   Invert onto serving plate.

5. 5

   Remove waxed paper.

6. 6

   Arrange three rows of olives in top left corner of cream cheese rectangle for the "stars" of the "flag."

7. 7

   Make four 1/4-inch-deep rows, using rounded end of 1/4-tsp. measuring spoon for the "flag's stripes," leaving a 1/4-inch-wide space between the rows.

8. 8

   Fill rows with salsa.

9. 9

   Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

10. 10

    Serve as a spread with Ritz crackers, Triscuits, cocktail Pumpernickel rounds or any other favorite cracker.