Christmas Party Cranberry Dip Recipe 435

Steps:

• In a small bowl, beat the cream cheese, sour cream, honey and cinnamon until smooth. Spread into a shallow bowl or 9-in. pie plate. Top with cranberry sauce. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Just before serving, sprinkle with almonds. Serve with crackers.

Steps:

• CRANBERRY SAUCE: Sort through berries and remove any stems and blemished berries (brown or mushy ones). Rinse with water and drain well in a colander. Meanwhile, in 3-quart saucepan over medium/medium heat, bring water, sugar, and salt to a boil; then boil for 5 minutes, whisking occasionally. Stir in the cranberries and bring back to a boil; continue boiling 5-6 minutes longer, stirring occasionally, until cranberries "pop". It's important that they "pop" to release the natural pectin which thickens the sauce. TIP: For a different flavor twist, after the sauce has finished cooking, stir in 1 tablespoon grated orange zest, 1 finely minced fresh jalapeno pepper (remove seeds first), or 2 to 3 tablespoons peach or pineapple preserves. (Shown with a little peach preserves). Pour sauce into a serving dish and cool to room temperature or refrigerate until chilled. Spread the cream cheese in the bottom of a pie plate. Top with cooled cranberry sauce. Serve with crackers. Cover leftovers and store in the refrigerator.