Cranberry Jalapeno Cheese Spread

Cranberry Jalapeno Cheese Spread 

• 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 peel
• 1/4 teaspoon Chinese five-spice powder
• 1 package (8 ounces) reduced-fat cream cheese
• Assorted crackers

Nutritional Facts

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

Directions

1. In a small saucepan, combine the first seven 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. Yield: 2 cups.

Editor's Note: Wear disposable gloves when cutting hot peppers; the oils can burn skin. Avoid touching your face.

Originally published as Cranberry Jalapeno Cheese Spread in Healthy Cooking December/January 2009, p45