We all enjoy special treats for the holidays, but we all have a budget (well most of us do).  I like to make as much homemade goodies as possible.  This is an easy one and can be crafted according to your own family’s tastes.

You’ll need:

6 oz of white chocolate

1/3 cup of cream

1/3 cup of dried fruit (peaches, cranberries, apricots, etc)

1 Tbs orange zest

1/3 cup of dried unsweetened coconut (optional)

1/3 cup of chopped nuts, toasted if you like

8 oz of softened cream cheese or neufchatel cheese, softened

a pinch of fresh grated nutmeg (optional)

In a double boiler (or microwave) melt white chocolate and add cream.  Stir until shiny.  Add desired dried fruit, zest and nuts (I used peaches and pecans), coconut and stir.  Let mixture cool to room temp.

Add fruit and zest to white chocolate and cream

To cooled mixture, add softened cream cheese and mix until well combined.  Add pinch (or more if you like) of fresh nutmeg and stir again.  Store mixture in a lidded container.  Refrigerate for several hours to allow flavors to blend.  Stir before serving. This is great on bagels, and crackers.

White Chocolate Harvest Spread