In a mixing bowl, add softened Neufchatel cheese along with all the other ingredients except the nuts.
Using a hand mixer, blend the ingredients until well incorporated. If you do not have a hand mixer, you can do this by hand with a wooden spoon, but fair warning, it will be a little workout.
Once all the ingredients are incorporated into the cheese, place the cheese in the center of a 12”x12” piece of plastic wrap. Bring the corners of the plastic wrap together diagonally and press the plastic wrap around the cheese. Lightly roll the plastic-wrapped cheese on the counter to make a nice round shape.
Place the cheese ball in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
Using a dinner plate, place the finely chopped nuts in the center of the plate.
After 30 minutes, remove the cheese ball from the refrigerator, unwrap the cheese ball from the plastic wrap, and place it on top of the chopped nuts. Using your hands, gently press the chopped nuts into the cheese to cover.
At this point, you can plate and serve, or place into the refrigerator to use later.
Tip: If you do refrigerator after making, remove 30 minutes before serving.
Serve with assorted crackers.