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Almond Cherry Cookies Recipe

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4.6 from 134 reviews

This Cranberry Jalapeño Dip is a vibrant and flavorful appetizer perfect for holiday gatherings or any party. The fresh cranberries and jalapeño give a perfect balance of tartness and spice, complemented by creamy whipped cream cheese. It’s easy to prepare, served chilled, and pairs wonderfully with crackers, bread, pretzels, or fresh veggies.

Ingredients

Dip Ingredients

  • 12 oz fresh cranberries (approx. one bag)
  • 1 jalapeño pepper (ribs and seeds removed)
  • ¼ cup fresh cilantro
  • ½ cup chopped scallions (green onions)
  • 1 cup white sugar
  • 2 Tbsp lemon juice
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 16 oz cream cheese (2 packages, softened to room temperature)

For Serving

  • Crackers, bread, pretzels, or fresh veggies

Instructions

  1. Chop Cranberries, Jalapeño, and Cilantro: Add 12 oz fresh cranberries, ¼ cup cilantro, and the jalapeño pepper (with ribs and seeds removed) to a food processor. Pulse just a few times until the ingredients are chopped into small pieces but not pureed.
  2. Mix Scallions and Seasonings: In a medium bowl, combine ½ cup chopped scallions, 1 cup white sugar, 2 Tbsp lemon juice, and ½ tsp salt. Gently mix together until well combined.
  3. Chill Cranberry Mixture: Cover the chopped cranberry mixture with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 to 12 hours. The longer it chills, the sweeter it becomes while retaining some tartness. After chilling, stir the mixture and strain it through a fine sieve to remove excess liquid, pressing gently to drain as much as possible.
  4. Whip Cream Cheese: Place 16 oz softened cream cheese in a medium bowl and whip it with a hand mixer until smooth and creamy.
  5. Assemble the Dip: Spread the whipped cream cheese evenly in a medium serving bowl using a spatula. Spoon the drained cranberry mixture over the top and smooth it out evenly.
  6. Chill before Serving: Cover the assembled dip with plastic wrap and refrigerate until ready to serve. Serve chilled with crackers, pretzels, toasted bread, or fresh vegetables.

Notes

  • Removing the ribs and seeds from the jalapeño reduces the heat; adjust based on your spice preference.
  • Chilling the cranberry mixture enhances the sweetness, so for best flavor, chill for at least 4 hours if possible.
  • Make sure the cream cheese is softened to room temperature to achieve a smooth and creamy dip.
  • This dip can be made a day ahead to allow flavors to meld nicely.
  • For a different twist, try adding a teaspoon of orange zest to the cranberry mixture.

Find it online: https://forkoria.com/almond-cherry-cookies-recipe/