Cranberry Salsa over Cream Cheese

Course: Appetizer

Ingredients:

For the Cranberry Salsa:

• 1 cup fresh cranberries, washed and drained

• 1 medium orange, peeled and segmented

• 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced

• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

• 1 small jalapeño, seeds removed and finely chopped

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)

• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

• 1/4 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)

For Serving:

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened

• Crackers or sliced baguette

Instructions:

1. Rinse the fresh cranberries under cold water and drain them.

2. Optionally, you can pulse the cranberries in a food processor to achieve a finer texture or you can chop them with a knife. If using a food processor, pulse the cranberries a few times until coarsely chopped.

3. Peel the orange and segment it. Chop the orange segments into small pieces.

4. In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped cranberries, diced red onion, chopped cilantro, chopped jalapeño, chopped orange segments, granulated sugar, fresh lime juice, and salt.

5. Stir the mixture until all ingredients are well combined.

6. Taste the salsa and adjust the sugar and salt according to your preference. Keep in mind that flavors will meld as the salsa sits.

7. Place the softened cream cheese on a serving platter.

8. Spoon the cranberry salsa over the cream cheese.

9. Use a spatula to spread the cream cheese and cranberry salsa evenly.

10. Optionally, you can refrigerate the assembled dish for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

11. Serve the Cranberry Salsa over Cream Cheese with crackers or sliced baguette.