Cranberry Jalapeno Cheese Spread

Appetizers

This easy spread is based on several different relishes and spreads I've tasted or made before. I love the sweet and spicy combination of flavors.

Average Rating: 4.538461

TOTAL TIME: Prep: 25 min. + cooling
YIELD: 2 cups.

Ingredients

1 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup orange juice
4 teaspoons chopped seeded jalapeno pepper
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon grated orange zest
1/4 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
1 package (8 ounces) reduced-fat cream cheese
Assorted crackers or sliced sweet yellow and orange peppers

Instructions

1. In a small saucepan, combine the first 7 ingredients. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 10 minutes or until thickened. Remove from the heat; cool completely.
2. In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until fluffy. Beat in cranberry mixture until blended. Serve with crackers or sliced peppers.

Nutrition Facts

2 tablespoons (calculated without crackers): 88 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 10mg cholesterol, 63mg sodium, 14g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
Diabetic Exchanges:
1 starch, 1/2 fat.