Almond Cherry Cookies Recipe
This vibrant Cranberry Jalapeño Dip combines tart fresh cranberries with a hint of spicy jalapeño and the creamy softness of whipped cream cheese. Perfect for holiday gatherings or year-round snacking, this dip balances sweet, tart, and spicy flavors, served cold alongside crackers, pretzels, bread, or fresh veggies.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Fruit and Vegetables
- 12 oz fresh cranberries (approx. one bag)
- 1 jalapeño pepper (ribs and seeds removed)
- ¼ cup cilantro
- ½ cup chopped scallions (green onions)
Other Ingredients
- 1 cup white sugar
- 2 Tbsp lemon juice
- ½ tsp salt
- 16 oz cream cheese (2 packages, softened to room temperature)
- Crackers, bread, pretzels or veggies for serving
Instructions
- Chop the Base Ingredients: Add the fresh cranberries, cilantro, and jalapeño pepper (with ribs and seeds removed) to a food processor. Pulse a few times until everything is finely chopped but not pureed.
- Mix Flavorings: In a medium bowl, combine the chopped scallions, white sugar, lemon juice, and salt. Gently mix to blend the flavors together.
- Chill the Cranberry Mixture: Cover the cranberry mixture with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 to 12 hours. This chilling period allows the cranberries to absorb the sweetness while maintaining a slight tartness.
- Drain Excess Liquid: After chilling, stir the cranberry mixture and pour it through a strainer to remove and drain as much excess liquid as possible.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Layer: In a medium bowl, whip the softened cream cheese with a hand mixer until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Dip: Spread the whipped cream cheese in an even layer in a medium serving bowl using a spatula.
- Top with Cranberry Mixture: Evenly spread the strained cranberry mixture over the cream cheese layer, smoothing the top gently.
- Chill Before Serving: Cover the assembled dip with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Serve: Scoop the dip onto crackers, pretzels, toasted bread, or fresh vegetables and enjoy!
Notes
- Removing the ribs and seeds from the jalapeño reduces the heat; adjust according to spice preference.
- The longer the cranberry mixture chills, the sweeter it becomes, but it will always retain some tartness.
- Ensure cream cheese is softened to room temperature for a smooth and creamy consistency.
- This dip is best served cold and can be made a day ahead for improved flavors.
- The excess liquid removal step ensures the dip is not watery when served.
Find it online: https://crispcharm.com/almond-cherry-cookies-recipe/
