Cadelyn Cuisine - Cherry Pecan Spread

Cherry Pecan Spread

Ingredients:

1/2 cup dried sour cherries
1 cup water
two 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
thin baguette slices or crackers as accompaniments

Directions:

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 thin baguette slices or crackers.

Makes about 3 cups.

Adapted from a Gourmet Magazine article. We reduced the amount of dried cherries for a creamier spread.