Years and years ago I received a little jar of cranberry salsa, cream cheese and wheat thins. I was like, um gross. Cranberries should not be made into a salsa right? And plain cream cheese? Shouldn’t it all be stirred together and served with buttery, toasted crostinis or something (oh, actually that sounds kind of good). And then Cade tried it. He’s always the one to try things first and then bring me into the light. Kind of like broccoli. Yeah, I’m not even going to tell you about that because it’s silly I ever hated it. Anyway, clearly we are team cranberry cream cheese dip now.
And how could we not be? I mean, look how beautiful it is! I’ve tried quite a few different recipes over the years and I’m going to be frank, mine isn’t like their’s. I tried so many recipes and while they all had something delicious about them there were also a few things I didn’t like. Some recipes were crazy spicy. That’s not for me. However, if it is for you please feel free to add an extra jalapeno.
I also wasn’t all for the lemon juice, it just was too light and not holiday-ish to me. So, we busted out the orange juice. Cranberries and orange are meant to be.
Last and not least, I prefer the light cream cheese. It seems a little more lovely and creamy to me. I like to make it a day ahead, stick it in little jars and deliver with a bag of crackers and a box of cream cheese to my sweet neighbors. Or it’s great to bust out at a party. And you totally don’t have to spread it out on a platter. It’s actually just as stunning as a brick of cream cheese with all of that gorgeous cranberry color spilling all over it. I love pretty food that tastes amazing too.
And because I just cannot resist, let’s talk about life with our little man. If you don’t want to, well I wont feel bad if you skip over to the recipe below. I still love you. I don’t get it because he’s the stinking cutest ever, but I still love you. Kidding, kidding…
But seriously, we are all still obsessed with our newest addition. I joked with Doctor Haskett that I kind of want 50 more, and I really do. Not 50. And not any time too soon, but I just adore being a mommy to these kiddos and Cade, well trust me he’s in heaven. He’s such a stinking good dad. How did we get so lucky?
The above is a common occurrence over here. I often find the girls just gazing into his Halo Bassinest at him. They cannot get enough of baby brother and I’m such a big believer in letting the kids feel like they are everything to him and that he’s their baby too that I let them. They are so quiet and will just lay there and watch them. PS, if you haven’t already, this bassinet is crazy awesome and worth $250! We are giving one away on instagram so go follow me (@ohsweetbasil) and enter by finding the giveaway photo.
And this kid, well he’s still little, but we all think he looks so big now. He’s still rockin’ preemie though he’s got a few newborn outfits that fit. Also still rocking the karate legs. Seriously, he kicks that leg out and it’s rock hard. There’s no bending it into his jammies. Makes me bonkers. And strangely enough, I can still feel it inside of me in a way as he did that same thing while I was pregnant. Now Cade can’t deny that he really was punching one leg straight up into my lungs and taking my breath away. I always told him but he always laughed. Not laughing now, are ya Cade! Anyway, my brother and his wife had a 7.8 baby on Monday and it’s weird to think this kiddo is 6 weeks old and more than two pounds smaller. Crazy!!
Alright, I’ve bored you enough. Stay tuned though, next week we want to share the real life stuff, like the boys have different body parts talk we had to have… dun dun dun!!!
Are Cranberries Good for You?
Cranberries are low in calories, only 25 calories in 1/2 cup.
The nutrients in cranberries may help lower the risk of urinary tract infections, prevent certain types of cancer, improve immune function, and decrease blood pressure.
Cranberries are high in Vitamin C, A, and K.
Can Cranberry Sauce be Frozen?
Homemade cranberry sauce freezes very well.
Just place the cranberry sauce in an airtight container in the freezer.
Frozen cranberry sauce is best if eaten withing a few months.
Can Cream Cheese Be Substituted for Butter?
You can use cream cheese instead of butter in recipes that are not affected by the reduced amount of fat.
For instance, an equal amount of cream cheese may be substituted for butter in any favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe.
Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip
Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip
Ingredients
- 1 Bag Cranberries
- 1 Jalapeno, chopped
- 3 Green Onions, ends removed and chopped
- 1 Handful Cilantro
- 1 Teaspoon Orange Zest
- 1 Tablespoon Orange Juice
- 1/2 Teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 Cup Sugar
- 2 Packages Light Cream Cheese, 8 ounce each
Instructions
- Place the cranberries, jalapeno, green onions, cilantro and orange zest in a food processor and pulse until chopped fine.
- Transfer to a bowl and stir in the orange juice, salt, and sugar.
- Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours or up to one day.
- To serve, spread the cream cheese on a platter and top with salsa.
- Serve with wheat thins.
Notes
Nutrition
Recommended Products
Kylee
Where does the jalapeño come in? I don’t see it at all in the directions.
Sweet Basil
Sorry about that! It has been added to the instructions. It goes in with the cranberries and green onions.
Robin Barnette
How far in advance can I make this?
Sweet Basil
It should only be made a day in advance, but the cranberry salsa freezes extremely well in an airtight container. Then you can pull it out and let it come to room temperature, pour it on a cream cheese brick, and dig in!
John G
How about roasting the cranberries first?
Sweet Basil
Ohhh that would be yummy!
Jennifer
Has anyone tried making this with frozen cranberries? I bought two bags at the store the other night and just popped them both in the freezer without thinking.
Sweet Basil
Hi Jennifer, we did and it got quite juicy, but maybe you could drain it more.
Jillian
This year for thanksgiving we made this salsa (minus the cream cheese), added some pomegranate seeds, and ate it on top of our turkey. Literally to die for. I am just glad I ate all the left over salsa before my husband remembered it was there because it is so darn delicious ?
Sweet Basil
Seriously?!!! That is the best idea ever!!!! Totally trying this next year!
Baltisraul
I just love these types of holiday dips. If using fresh cranberries, boil for 8-9 min but not longer than 15 min. It will effect the taste if boiled past 15 min. New Years Eve we are having a “Dip Party” and this will be included, for sure.
Sweet Basil
Thank you so much and I hope you enjoy!
LJ
I don’t see cook time in instructions. Top of recipe says cook time 5 min. When and what do I cook?
Sweet Basil
There is nothing to cook. Everything is fresh! The recipe says 5 min of prep time, no cooking needed!