Spreads and dips made with cream cheese are versatile party food. Simply process ½ cup cream cheese with ½ cup sour cream or ricotta to spreadable consistency. Then add a little lemon juice to brighten, plus whatever other additions you like to create the desired flavor profile (serves 8 or more). Here are some of my favorite ideas, which can be combined in many ways:
- 1 tbsp. fresh herbs
- ½ avocado
- ¼ cup blue cheese, feta, smoked mozzarella, provolone or other soft cheese
- 2 tbsp. Parmesan
- ½ cup smoked salmon, smoked trout, crab or chopped shrimp
- 1 head roasted garlic
- 2 tbsp. chopped nuts + 2 tsp. dried fruit
- 1 oz. green chiles
- 1 cup roasted red pepper
- 2 chopped sun-dried tomatoes
- 2 tbsp. sliced scallions
- 1 tbsp. horseradish
- 2 tbsp. pesto
- ¼ cup salsa
I created the following recipe based on the basic Cream Cheese Spread. It is a festive party dip appropriate for New Year’s Eve.
Smoked Salmon Mousse
In the food processor, combine:
- ½ cup cream cheese
- ½ cup ricotta
- ½ cup smoked salmon
- 1 tbsp. horseradish
- 2 tbsp. scallions
- 1 tsp. dillweed
- 2 tsp. lemon juice
