A few weeks ago I made another batch of the spiced Christmas jam that we all love so much so I’d have some on hand to gift to friends and neighbors. This is my Creamy Cranberry Dip w/ Candied Walnuts.
And then yesterday while I was stuffing a few gift bags with jars of homemade goodness, I had an idea. Wouldn’t this jam taste fantastic mixed in with some cream cheese and a few other things?
I’ve always been a big fan of those fruity cream cheese spread they sell in the stores but rarely ever splurge and buy one. But since I had plenty of jam and cream cheese {and even a lime!} on hand, I thought why not, I’ll give it a whirl. And so I did.
And the result? Absolutely wonderful!
I fancied it up a bit and added some spiced walnuts, but if you are not a nutty person, you can always omit them and make just the dip portion.
This recipe is quick, easy and would be wonderful spread on a toasted bagel, or served alongside some sliced apples or even graham crackers.
I hope you like it as much as we did.
~Mavis
Creamy Cranberry Dip w/ Candied Walnuts
Ingredients
For the dip:
12 oz cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup spiced Christmas jam
3 tablespoons honey
Zest of 1/2 a lime
Juice of 1/2 a lime
1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon
Pinch of salt
For the walnuts:
1 cup walnuts
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
2 teaspoon brown sugar
2 tablespoon honey
Pinch of salt
Instructions
Add all dip ingredients to the bowl of a stand mixer and blend until creamy {this was about 90 seconds for me}. Set aside.
In a medium skillet or saucepan melt butter over medium heat. Add remaining ingredients and sauté for about 4-5 minutes or until the walnuts are coated and the glaze has thickened a bit.
Spread onto parchment paper, making sure the walnuts are spaced apart so they do not stick together. Let cool.
Top dip with nuts and serve with apple slices, graham crackers, pretzels or anything your heart desires.
Linda Practical Parsimony says
The dip is certainly decadent! I should make this.
Dianne says
Looks great, sans the walnuts. Might try almonds instead. I’ve never frozen cream cheese, does it freeze well?
LaToya says
Oooo this sounds gooood.
There’s a local farm here who makes a jalapeno raspberry jam and it’s sooo good. I’ll need to try that in this.