I've made it for our family's Christmas Eve celebrating for several years now. My sister, Lisa, initially brought it to the gathering, but I liked it so well that it has become a permanent fixture. Jill also served it as an appetizer for our family's Thanksgiving gathering.
It's easy to put together. I find it makes less of a mess if you freeze your cranberries and then chop them in a blender or food processor. Just chop up the rest of the ingredients, stir together and let it marinate to blend the flavors. Then pour it over cream cheese and start dipping the crackers for a tangy taste treat.
There are some other K-State (or New Year's) snacks at the bottom of this post. They are easy to make for a last-minute football bowl or New Year's snack.
Happy New Year to you and yours from The County Line! And Go 'Cats!
Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip
Recipe from my sister, Lisa Bauer
1 8 oz. package of cream cheese
1 package (12 oz) fresh cranberries (Freeze and chop in the blender or food processor)
1/4 cup green onion, chopped
2 tbsp. minced fresh cilantro
1 tbsp. diced jalapeno (or more, if you like it hotter)
1 1/4 cups sugar
1 tsp. lemon juice
Dash salt
Combine all ingredients except cream cheese. Mixture needs to sit for 4 hours or so. Garnish with additional chopped green onion and/or cilantro.
Spread cream cheese in bottom of serving plate. Top with cranberry mix. Serve with Wheat Thins or other crackers.
Try these other snacks for bowl games, tailgates or parties. You can always tailor the colors to fit your favorite high school, college or pro team.
I'm amazed you find time to create so many wonderful goodies. The dip brought a smile to my face as I was introduced to this recipe by Kim and Stuart, when I shared Thanks Giving with them, before I flew home. Kim and I sat in front of the TV watching Anne of Green Gables, to cut up 2 bags of cranberries. Definitely worth the messy hands. Soooo delicious. We don't have fresh cranberries. In fact dried cranberries are the fashion food of the moment. I discovered however, that we can buy them frozen! I made 4 small pots for different Christmas occasions and the dip was a winner every time. I love your pretzel suggestions.
ReplyDeleteI am glad I had a food processor to chop the cranberries. They are a mess. We can only buy fresh cranberries during the holidays, but they are usually available in the freezer case in bigger towns. I have several recipes that use the dried cranberries in salads.
DeleteThank you for bbeing you
ReplyDelete