CRANBERRY JALAPENO DIP

 I adore a stunning, fresh appetizer that’s easy to assemble, especially during the holidays. And this Cranberry Jalapeño Dip recipe is absolute perfection – our family devours this fresh cranberry dip! It features a creamy, fluffy, cloud-like combination of whipped cream cheese and goat cheese at the base, plus a bright, slightly spicy, fresh cranberry relish layered over the top. This festive appetizer is a family favorite and an entertainer’s dream, as it’s even better when you prep it in advance!

INGREDIENTS

 2 cups fresh cranberries

 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided

 ¼ cup honey

 2 tablespoons minced fresh jalapeno - use more for a bigger kick of heat!

 1 tablespoons minced fresh parsley

 1 tablespoon fresh orange juice

 1 teaspoon fresh orange zest

 1 teaspoon minced rosemary

 1 teaspoon minced thyme

 ½ teaspoon cracked black pepper

 8 ounces cream cheese, softened

 4 ounces goat cheese, softened

 ¼ cup cold heavy cream

INSTRUCTIONS

Add the cranberries to the bowl of a food processor and pulse until very roughly chopped, about 5 pulses. 

To the chopped cranberries, add ½ teaspoon of the kosher salt, plus honey, jalapeno, parsley, orange juice and zest, rosemary, thyme, and black pepper. Pulse until the mixture resembles a coarse relish, still with noticeable bits - take care to not pulse it into a puree.

Let the cranberry relish sit for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors mingle. It's even better to transfer it to a covered container and let it sit in the fridge for a few hours or overnight.

When ready to assemble the appetizer, give the cranberry relish a few good stirs to incorporate. Then add the relish to a fine mesh strainer to drain away any excess liquid.

Add the softened cream cheese, goat cheese, heavy cream, and remaining ½ teaspoon of kosher salt to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. Beat on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. 

Spread the whipped cheese mixture onto a plate, like a cloud. Then use a slotted spoon to layer the cranberry relish over the top. Garnish with additional sliced cranberries and jalapenos, plus a little sprinkling of fresh chopped herbs, if desired. Serve with crostini, crackers, and/or chips - cinnamon pita chips are super fun!

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