The Freshman Cook: Baked Apricot Spread

During the holidays, I entertain a lot. I like to serve different foods at each event. I really don’t like to duplicate. Sometimes, a few of my guests might be invited to several of the get togethers, and I want them to have something different each time. The only exception is if someone requests that I make something they had at a previous party. Then I happily try to accommodate them.  As a result, I need a lot of recipes. Through out the year I try to find recipes that I think will work. This is the case with today’s baked Apricot Spread. I borrowed this appetizer from the Kraft Foods web site. I am so glad I did. It is tasty and delicious. It goes together quickly, and there are only 5 ingredients. Truthfully, I put this together in  about 5 minutes. (+ the cook time). Also, I’ll bet that you have most of these ingredients in your fridge and pantry right now.!

Baked Apricot Spread

(serves 8) 

(preheat oven to 350 degrees)

4 oz. Cream Cheese~softened

1/2 cup shredded Cheddar

1/4 cup Sour Cream

1/4 cup sliced, dried Apricots

1/3 cup Sliced Almonds

Crackers

The recipe called for sliced Dried Apricots. 

I used the dried Apricots~YUM!, but I chopped them instead

of slicing them. I thought they might be easier for guests to handle

if they were smaller. I don’t know?? It’s just my paranoia coming

out like it does every time I entertain.

Anyway, I chopped them by slicing them first, and then…

turning the slices around, and chopping them up.

Set them aside for a minute.

Put the softened cream cheese, and the cheddar into a bowl.

Mix it up really well. 

I like to do this by wearing food safe gloves, and using my hands.

It really gets things mixed perfectly, but a mixer will do the job also!

Add the sour cream and apricots.

Mix again like above.

Place mix in a baking dish.

Top with the sliced almonds. 

The recipe called for 1/3 cup. I just put them on the 

top of the dish until I thought there were enough. 

I did not make them thick, and I tried to 

cover the entire surface.

Bake for 15 minutes.

Serve with crackers of your choice. 

Delicious!

This recipe is great tasting, hot or cold!

Thanks for joining me today!