Fire-and-Ice Cream Cheese Spread

Ingredients

• 1/4 cup cream cheese
• 1/4 cup light sour cream
• 1/4 cup apricot jam
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped red bell peppers

Directions

1. 1

   In a small mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sour cream with an electric mixer until well blended.

2. 2

   Spoon mixture into a small bowl lined with plastic wrap or a 6-ounce ramekin.

3. 3

   Press mixture slightly to get rid of any air pockets; smooth evenly with rubber scraper.

4. 4

   Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to firm slightly.

5. 5

   Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, heat fruit spread and red pepper flakes over medium heat until spread just begins to melt, about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.

6. 6

   Remove from heat and stir in bell pepper.

7. 7

   Let cool to room temperature.

8. 8

   To serve, if using bowl, invert mixture onto a serving plate, remove plastic wrap, and spoon apricot mixture on top.

9. 9

   If using ramekin, top cream cheese mixture with apricot mixture.