Chocolate Peppermint Cheese Ball

1 (12 oz.) pkg. semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup peppermint candies (36 candies)
2 cups pecans
8 ounces cream cheese, softened

Process chocolate chips, peppermint candies, and pecans in a blender or food processor until finely ground. Place mixture in an airtight plastic bag or container until ready to use. There will be enough mixture to make several cheese balls.

When ready to make a cheese ball, place cream cheese in a bowl. Remove 1/2 cup of ground candy/nut mixture from its bag and mix into cream cheese. Shape into a ball and wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 2 or 3 hours or until firm. Serve with chocolate flavored vanilla wafers, chocolate graham crackers, etc.