Christmas Cheese Spread

We had our Christmas on Sunday, December 16th. We wanted to be able to celebrate with our son before he left for Africa. He is in probably landing in Adiss Adaba (sp?) right about now. They will have a one day lay over before going on to Niarobi, Kenya and will stay there for a day before traveling four hours to a remote location where they will do their mission work. I appreciate any prayers lifted up on his groups’ behalf for a safe and spirit filled trip!

I made this wonderful cheese spread on Sunday - I loved it so much I am going to make it again today! I adapted it from another recipe, added new ingredients and changed some of them. If you don’t care for Indian spices, you omit the chutney, but oh my - it was delicious!

Christmas Cheese Spread

11 oz. softened cream cheese

1 cup dried apricots, diced

1/4 cup green onions, snipped small (just the green tops save those bottoms for another recipe)

1/4 tsp. garlic powder

6 slices crisp cooked bacon, crumbled ( I use Morning Star Farms vegetarian bacon strips)

1/2 of a 9 oz. jar of Mango Chutney

Mix all the ingredients except for the mango chutney together. Mound the cheese spread onto a pretty serving plate. Top with the chutney chill for at least 30 minutes before serving. Best served at room temperture. Serve with butter crackers or bagel crisps.

YUM!