Sweet & Spicy Dip (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Creamy Base

01 - 8 oz block of cream cheese, left at room temperature until soft
02 - 1/4 cup sour cream

→ Cranberry-Jalapeño Mix

03 - 6 oz fresh cranberries, chopped into fine pieces
04 - 1/2 cup sweetened dried cranberries
05 - 1 jalapeño pepper, seeds removed and finely diced (add extra for more kick)
06 - 3 green onions, thinly sliced
07 - 2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley
08 - 1 tablespoon freshly grated orange zest
09 - 1/3 cup granulated sugar (adjust to your sweetness preference)
10 - 1/4 teaspoon fine salt

→ For Serving

11 - Fresh rosemary sprigs for garnish

# Instructions:

01 - Toss the fresh cranberries, dried cranberries, diced jalapeño, sliced green onions, chopped parsley, orange zest, sugar, and salt into your food processor. Pulse everything together until you get a finely minced texture - you don't want big chunks, but don't turn it into mush either.
02 - Grab a medium-sized mixing bowl and add your softened cream cheese. Using a hand mixer, beat it on medium speed until it becomes light, fluffy, and completely smooth with no lumps. Pour in the sour cream and continue mixing until everything is well blended together.
03 - The cranberry mixture will release some juice - pour it through a strainer or press it gently with a spoon to remove the extra liquid before moving to the next step.
04 - Scoop the drained cranberry-jalapeño mixture into the bowl with your cream cheese base. Beat everything together with the hand mixer until fully incorporated and the mixture looks smooth and evenly colored.
05 - Transfer the dip to your favorite serving dish or spread it on a platter. Scatter a small amount of chopped fresh rosemary over the top for a pop of color and aroma. Surround with crackers, sliced baguette, or veggie sticks and serve immediately.

# Notes:

01 - This dip tastes even better when made a day ahead - just store it in a sealed container in the refrigerator and give it a good stir before serving.
02 - Make sure your cream cheese is completely softened to room temperature before mixing, otherwise you'll end up with lumps. A hand mixer really helps everything blend smoothly.