With the hustle and bustle of the holidays it’s always nice to have a few quick and easy appetizers up your sleeve for those last minute surprise guests or just as a precursor for the fam to snack on while they are waiting for the main meal.  This Cranberry Orange Pecan Cream Cheese Spread is a quick and easy appetizer straight from my mum’s recipe archives that takes just minutes to get to the table and tastes just like the holidays spread on a cracker!  (You can do regular crackers or graham crackers – they are both delicious!)

I love the combination of cranberry, orange and cinnamon – I use the same flavors to make my homemade cranberry sauce and it really creates the perfect combination of tart and sweet.  The flavor additions of crunchy pecans and creamy cream cheese make this a fabulously festive appetizer or evening snack for the holidays!  This dip is so simple to throw together and any leftovers make a great condiment for those leftover turkey or ham sandwiches or it can be spread right on a toasted English muffin or bagel!

Ingredients:

Instructions:

1. Using an electric mixer, cream the cream cheese, orange juice concentrate, sugar and cinnamon together until soft and fluffy.  
2. Add the pecans and dried cranberries and stir on low speed until combined.  
3. Transfer to a bowl, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until flavors blend, at least 30 minutes. 
4. Serve with a variety of crackers & enjoy the compliments!