Cream cheese is one of my favorite bread spreads, especially on bagels. To offset the price and reduce the amount of additives in store-bought spreads, I have created a delicious strawberry and cream cheese mixture that can be used on bread or as a dip. This spread tastes very fresh and is simple to make.
Makes 1 cup spread, enough for about 8 bagels.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Ingredients:
- 14 strawberries, about 4 oz.
- 8 oz. cream cheese
- Zest from 1 lemon (about 1 tsp.)
- 3-4 packets Stevia or Stevia with vanilla (about 1 tsp. powder)
- 1/2 tsp. guar gum (optional)
- 1/2 tsp. xanthan gum (optional)
Preparation:
Wash and hull strawberries. Place in food processor and pulse several times. Add softened cream cheese, lemon zest and stevia (or sugar to taste). Mix until almost smooth.
Note: If you prefer a perfectly smooth spread, you will have to pass the mixture through a sieve.
While processor is running, sprinkle guar gum and xanthan gum powders over mixture. Blend well. Mixture sets up when refrigerated.
This tastes better after sitting overnight. Cover well to prevent foreign smells and tastes from mixing with the spread.
Note: guar and xanthan gum help this spread set up and retain the air that was incorporated into the spread during the mixing. The result is a slightly spongy consistency that spreads well on a bagel or other bread. Guten Appetit!
