Tuesday, October 17, 2006

Christmas Appetizer Recipe - Cranberry Ambrosia-Cream Cheese Spread

Cranberry Ambrosia-Cream Cheese Spread
 
Makes : 24 appetizer servings.
 
Ingredients :
2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup powdered sugar
1 (6-ounce) package sweetened dried cranberries, divided use
1 (15 1/2-ounce) can crushed pineapple, drained well
1 (11-ounce) can mandarin oranges, drained well
1 (3 1/2-ounce) can shredded coconut, divided use
1 cup chopped pecans, toasted
Pecan halves, toasted
Ginger snaps as accompaniment
 
Directions :
1.   Stir together cream cheese and sugar until blended.
2.   Add dried cranberries, reserving 1/4 cup cranberries.
3.   Drain pineapple and oranges; pat dry between layers of paper towels. Set oranges aside.
4.   Stir pineapple and coconut into cream cheese mixture, reserving 1/4 cup coconut.
5.   Stir in chopped pecans. Spoon mixture into a serving bowl.
6.   Sprinkle reserved dried cranberries around edges of bowl.
7.   Arrange orange segments around inside edge of cranberries.
8.   Sprinkle reserved 1/4 cup coconut in center, and top with pecan halves.
9.   Serve with gingersnaps.
 
 
Courtesy : Cooks Recipes