Cherry and Pecan Cream Cheese Spread

Source: Gourmet Magazine, May 1994

1 cup dried sour cherries
1 cup water
2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup chopped toasted pecans
1 tablespoon fresh lime juices
1/2 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
1/4 teaspoon freshly grated lime zest
Scones or crackers as accompaniments

In a small heavy saucepan simmer cherries in water until liquid is reduced to about 1 tablespoon. Remove pan from heat and cool mixture.

In a bowl whisk together cream cheese, pecans, lime juice, thyme, zest, cherry mixture, and salt and pepper to taste until spread is combined well.

Spread may be made 2 days ahead and kept chilled, covered.

Serve spread with scones or crackers.