Not every holiday treat needs to be sweet. Take this tasty little confection; cream cheese combined with some dried peppers and a bit of seasoning, then whipped to a nicely spreadable consistency – who wouldn’t want a dab of this on their monring bagel?
Or, for that matter, their afternoon cracker or flat bread?
Once again, this recipe begins with my trusted local spice merchant…
INGREDIENTS
•1/4 tsp Aleppo pepper
•1 tbsp dried green pepper
•1 tbsp dried jalapeños
•8 oz cream cheese, softened
•1/4 tsp garlic powder
•1 tbsp mayonnaise
•1/4 cup water
•1/2 to 1 tsp sugar
Pour the water over the peppers in a large mixing bowl and set aside to soak for five minutes or so.
Add the cream cheese, garlic powder, mayonnaise, and that little hit of sugar, and mix to combine well.
Turn into a small bowl and chill until needed – and trust me – you will be needing this; pretty darned fantastic on a bagel for breakfast, but not too, too bad as a spread for your holiday cocktail gatherings, either.
I love the tingle it leaves on my lips…