By Laura Coffee, Marketing & Owner Services Manager, Co-op Owner
While we may not typically think of them as a seasoning, poppy seeds are popular in many types of cooking and baking around the world. Growing in little pods at the base of each flower, poppy seeds can be used whole, ground into paste, or pressed to make an oil. The visual contrast of poppy seeds dotted over or through a baked good is a particularly striking addition to any holiday table or special occasion treat. If you are interested in future installments in this series, you can sign up through the CRDL.
Poppy Seed Harvest Spread
- 8oz cream cheese
- 1/4 cup dried cranberries
- 2 Tbsp honey
- 1 Tbsp poppy seeds
- 1 tsp lemon zest
Combine all the ingredients in a food processor. Run the processor in 30 to 60 second bursts, pausing to scrape down the sides in-between pulses. I suggest about 5 minutes worth of total blending time, enough that some of the cranberries have been broken down completely and others are still chunky, while the honey, zest, and seeds are well-incorporated and evenly mixed into the cream cheese. If you want a completely chunky spread this can be mixed exclusively by hand, though it will be stiff and hard to stir if the cream cheese is cold when you start. Makes a great appetizer with sweet potato chips, graham crackers, or cinnamon chips. It is also delicious spread on bagels or apple slices.
No responses yet