Spicy Cranberry Dip
This time of year can be stressful with deciding what to bring to a party. We have your back and got an incredible recipe for you.
Ingredients
Cranberry Sauce
1 Bag - Fresh Cranberries
1 Jalapeno Pepper
1/2 Cup Orange Juice
1/2 Cup Granulated Sugar
1/2 Cup Brown Sugar
1/2 teaspoon Orange Zest
1/2 cup Water
Smoked Cream Cheese
1-2 blocks of cream cheese
1 aluminum foil pan
Drizzle of olive oil
1 tablespoon of Up Stream spice
Other
Plate
Crackers
Fresh mint
Making the Cranberry Sauce
In a large saucepan, combine the orange juice, water, salt, sugars, diced jalapeno peppers, water and orange zest. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and add the cranberries.
NOTE: I buy one large orange and scrape the zest from the orange then juice the orange vs. buying orange juice
Simmer for 15 minutes, stirring periodically (cranberries will pop while cooking). Remove from heat and cool to room temperature. Transfer to a sealed container and fully chill. NOTE: the sauce will thicken as it cools.
Making the Smoked Cream Cheese
Pre-heat your smoker to 180-200 degrees
Unwrap the cream cheese & place the block(s) into the foil pan
Cut across the cream cheese making lines in the block
Drizzle olive oil over the cream cheese and spread it around
Sprinkle Up Stream seasoning over the cream cheese
Place in the smoker for 2 hrs
Note: When you remove the cream cheese, let it sit for 15-20 before attempting to transfer to your serving dish
It’s Party Time
Place the smoke cream cheese in the center of the plate/dish, then surround it with the cooled spicy cranberry sauce. I garnished this one with small pieces from fresh mint leaves just to give that Christmasy look!
Pick up a pack of assorted party crackers so the guest can try this dip with a variety of options.
Pro Tip: If you don’t want to wait for your dish at the end of the party or you plan to do your best Houdini, then head on over to a Dollar Tree and pick up a serving dish for $1.