Cranberry Jalapeno Dip

Our casual work Christmas party was yesterday. The appetizers were plentiful, we had a full spread of cookies, and the Secret Santas amongst us were very giving.

I didn’t end up eating an actual meal yesterday. I just ate chips, dips, cheese and some crockpot chicken and dressing my boss made. We’re a group that likes to spend the day grazing, and yesterday was no different.

I knew I wanted to bring some dips to the party, just not the normal salsa, queso, and ranch dips. I settled on two that I think ended up being quite the hit.

This one was a little out there—but I had most of the ingredients already in my kitchen so I was dead set in making it. One coworker told me it was a dip she just ended up having to have more and more of; I have to agree with her there. It’s one that is a little strange on first bite but addicting in the end.

I think the Chinese Five Spice in the dip gives it that craveable taste. It’s different, it’s festive, and it’s got a little bit of a kick from the jalapenos.

I used dried cranberries in this dip, but fresh would work just fine too. Just ramp up the cooking time for a few minutes so the berries can break down more.

Serve this dip with water cracker, ritz, or chips. I really liked the little Christmas tree crackers I found at the store with this dip.

Enjoy!

Cranberry Jalapeno Dip

Servings: 10-12
Time: 20 mins
Difficulty: Easy
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A creamy, spicy and sweet dip perfect for the holidays.

Ingredients

1 cup dried cranberries
8 oz. cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 jalapeno, diced
Juice of 1 orange
1 tsp. Chinese Five Spice

Directions

Heat cranberries, brown sugar, jalapeno, orange juice and Chinese five spice in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil and then reduce heat to a simmer. Simmer for 10 minutes or until cranberries are re-constituted and most of the liquid is gone.
Whip softened cream cheese in a medium-sized bowl. Stir in cranberry mixture. Stir until well mixed. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Serve with crackers or chips.

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