Ingredients with Measurements:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
Special equipment needed:
- Mixing bowl
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Step-by-step instructions:
1. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese with an electric mixer or whisk until smooth and creamy.
2. Add the chopped chives, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper to the cream cheese. Mix well with a rubber spatula until evenly combined.
3. Taste the cream cheese spread and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt or lemon juice to taste.
4. Transfer the chive and lemon cream cheese spread to a serving bowl or container.
5. Cover and refrigerate the cream cheese spread for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
6. Serve the chive and lemon cream cheese spread chilled with crackers, bread, or vegetables.
- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Refrigeration time: 30 minutes
Temperature:
- Refrigerate the cream cheese spread until ready to serve.
Serving size:
- Makes about 1 cup of cream cheese spread
- Serving size: 2 tablespoons
Nutritional information:
- Calories: 80
- Total fat: 8g
- Saturated fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
- Sodium: 130mg
- Total carbohydrates: 1g
- Protein: 2g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Fresh chives can be substituted with dried chives or other fresh herbs such as parsley, dill, or basil.
- Fresh lemon juice can be substituted with lime juice or white wine vinegar.
- Salt and black pepper can be adjusted to taste.
Variations:
- Add minced garlic or onion for extra flavor.
- Mix in chopped nuts or dried fruit for texture and sweetness.
- Use different types of cream cheese such as whipped, reduced-fat, or flavored varieties.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the cream cheese is softened before mixing to avoid lumps.
- Use a rubber spatula to scrape the sides of the bowl and ensure even mixing.
- For a smoother texture, blend the cream cheese in a food processor or blender before adding the other ingredients.
Storage instructions:
- Store the chive and lemon cream cheese spread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Reheating instructions:
- This cream cheese spread is meant to be served chilled and does not need to be reheated.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the cream cheese spread in a decorative bowl or on a platter with crackers, bread, or vegetables.
- Garnish with additional chopped chives or lemon zest for a pop of color.
Pairings:
- Serve with crackers, toasted bread, bagels, or pita chips.
- Pair with fresh vegetables such as carrots, celery, or cucumber slices.
Suggested side dishes:
- Serve with a side salad or soup for a light lunch or snack.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the cream cheese spread is too thick, add a splash of milk or cream to thin it out.
- If the cream cheese spread is too thin, add more cream cheese or refrigerate for longer to firm up.
Food safety advice:
- Keep the cream cheese spread refrigerated until ready to serve.
- Do not leave the cream cheese spread at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Food history:
- Cream cheese was invented in the United States in 1872 by a dairyman named William Lawrence.
Flavor profiles:
- Creamy, tangy, herbaceous, and slightly acidic.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve as an appetizer or snack at parties, picnics, or gatherings.
- Use as a spread for sandwiches or wraps.
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