*Best Cheese Spread*
Makes 2 cheese balls
(one to keep and one to give away)

16 ounces of cream cheese
6 ounces shredded strong cheddar cheese (1 1/2 cups)
1/2 ounce blue cheese, crumbled
5 ounces chopped dried apricots (1 cup)
4 ounces dried cranberries, chopped (1 cup)
2 ounces chopped toasted pecans (generous 1/2 cup)

Beat the cream cheese, along with teh cheddar cheese and blue cheese until smooth and blended.  Stir in the apricots, cranberries and pecans.  Shape into two balls, or press into molds of your choice.  Chill, covered, for serveral hours until firm.  Serve with wheat crackers or gingersnaps.