Christmas Party Cranberry Dip

By msippigrl

Cream cheese is spread in a pie plate and topped with homemade cranberry sauce and served with honey graham crackers or Club buttery crackers.

Ingredients

• 1 (12-ounce) bag fresh cranberries (Ocean Spray)
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup sugar
• Pinch of salt
• 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese (reduced fat ok)
• Honey Graham Crackers or Buttery crackers (such as Club or Waverly)

Preparation

Step 1

CRANBERRY SAUCE:
Sort through berries and remove any stems and blemished berries (brown or mushy ones). Rinse with water and drain well in a colander.

Meanwhile, in 3-quart saucepan over medium/medium heat, bring water, sugar, and salt to a boil; then boil for 5 minutes, whisking occasionally.

Stir in the cranberries and bring back to a boil; continue boiling 5-6 minutes longer, stirring occasionally, until cranberries "pop". It's important that they “pop” to release the natural pectin which thickens the sauce.

TIP:

For a different flavor twist, after the sauce has finished cooking, stir in 1 tablespoon grated orange zest, 1 finely minced fresh jalapeno pepper (remove seeds first), or 2 to 3 tablespoons peach or pineapple preserves. (Shown with a little peach preserves).

Pour sauce into a serving dish and cool to room temperature or refrigerate until chilled.

Spread the cream cheese in the bottom of a pie plate. Top with cooled cranberry sauce. Serve with crackers.

Cover leftovers and store in the refrigerator.