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Holidays at my house always feature this tangy fruit and cheese blend. The way guests' smiles spread when they try the sweet-tart dried fruit mixed into creamy cheese makes my day. That hint of orange peel gives it a fresh kick that's just perfect on crackers or slathered on day-after-holiday turkey sandwiches.
Why This Spread Stands Out
I whipped this up for the first time ages ago at a family get-together and now it's practically mandatory. There's something almost magical about how the silky cheese base contrasts with those fruity chunks. Whenever friends taste it, they beg for the instructions and I'm happy to share how stupidly easy it is to make in advance. That leaves everyone free to chat instead of cooking all day.
Basic Components
- 2 blocks cream cheese: Leave them out about an hour to get soft and easy to mix.
- 1 cup fresh cranberries: Cut them super small so you get little tart surprises throughout.
- 1/2 cup dried apricots: They add just the right sweetness to balance the cranberry tang.
- 2 oranges worth of zest: Don't skip this part, it really wakes up all the flavors.
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger: Grate it really fine for a subtle warmth that ties everything together.
Fast Preparation Method
- Combine Everything
- Grab your room-temperature cream cheese, dump it in a bowl and stir in all those fruits, orange peel and ginger until it looks evenly mixed.
- Chill It Down
- Stick it in your refrigerator for at least 60 minutes so all those tasty elements can get friendly with each other.
- Serve It Up
- Put it on your favorite serving dish with crackers around the edges and watch how fast it gets gobbled up.
Creative Variations
You can toss in some crunchy toasted pecans if you want. My husband goes crazy for it when I add some green onions for a savory touch. When my sister comes over, I mix in finely chopped jalapeños because she can't get enough spicy stuff. And sometimes I'll swap out cranberries for dried cherries just to change things up.
Great Companions
I usually grab buttery Ritz or plain water crackers to go with this. Don't bother with any sweet crackers since the fruit already brings plenty of sweetness. I like to put out lots of options like fresh bread slices, bagel chips and pretzel thins so everybody finds their own favorite way to scoop it up.
Storage Tips
You can keep this in your fridge for about two weeks if you wrap it tight or pop it in a container with a good lid. Take it out around 15 minutes before you plan to serve it so it's not too firm. Just don't leave it sitting out more than a couple hours during your get-together.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → How should I store it?
Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Let it soften a bit before putting it out to serve.
- → Can I prepare it early?
Absolutely, make it 1-2 days ahead. The flavors actually blend better as it sits in the fridge.
- → What pairs well with this?
Try it with crackers, baguette slices, apple wedges, or even celery. It's great with a variety of options.
- → Can I use other dried fruits?
Sure! Swap in dried cherries, golden raisins, or dates. Just keep the fruit amount consistent overall.
- → Is ginger really needed?
Ginger's optional, but it adds a cozy kick. It tastes great even without it.