Cherry Nut Spread

Serve this festive spread at a party or as a snack for kids.

1 (8-ounce) package reduced fat cream cheese, softened
3 tablespoons tart cherry juice concentrate
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
2 tablespoons chopped toasted pecans
1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme (or 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme)
Toasted bread or assorted crackers

Combine cream cheese and tart cherry juice concentrate; mix until smooth. Stir in sugar, pecans and thyme. Refrigerate, covered, 2 to 3 hours to allow flavors to blend. Use as a spread on toasted breads or as a dip for assorted crackers.

Makes about 1 cup; 8 appetizer servings.

Nutrition Facts (without bread or crackers) per 2-tablespoon serving: 109 cal., 6 g total fat (3 g sat. fat), 10 g carbo., 16 mg chol., 3 g pro., 0 g fiber, 93 mg sodium

Daily RDA values: 4% vit. A, 0% vit. C, 4% calcium, 4% iron

Recipe and photograph provided courtesy of the Cherry Marketing Institute.