French Cream Cheese and Preserves is a delightful spread that not only tantalizes the taste buds but also adds an elegant touch to any brunch spread. This recipe, with its creamy texture and bursts of fruity flavors, is perfect for those looking to impress their guests with minimal effort.
Ingredients:
- 32 ounces cream cheese
- 3/4 cup wildflower honey
- 2/3 cup honey
- 2/3 cup plum preserves
- 2/3 cup apricot preserves
- Almonds or edible flowers for garnish
Instructions:
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Prepare the Mold:
- Line the bottom and sides of a 4 to 5 cup bowl or cylindrical mold with plastic wrap, ensuring enough extra wrap at the top to completely enclose the mold.
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Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture:
- In a food processor or blender, combine the cream cheese and wildflower honey until smooth.
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Layering the Spread:
- Spoon 1/4 of the cream cheese mixture (8 ounces) into the bottom of the mold.
- Spread the plum preserves over this layer, leaving a 1/2 inch border around the perimeter.
- Top with another 1/4 of the cream cheese mixture (8 ounces), followed by the apricot preserves, again leaving a 1/2 inch border.
- Repeat the layering process with another 1/4 of the cream cheese (8 ounces) and the honey, followed by the purple preserves, ensuring to maintain a border.
- Smooth on the remaining 8 ounces of cream cheese to create the final layer.
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Chilling:
- Cover the mold with plastic wrap and refrigerate until the cream cheese is set to its original consistency, approximately 2 hours.
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Unmolding:
- When ready to serve, carefully tip the cream cheese out of the mold onto a serving plate or cake stand.
- Gently unwrap the plastic wrap, revealing the beautiful layers of cream cheese and preserves.
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Garnish:
- To add a finishing touch, garnish the top of the spread with sliced almonds or edible flowers for a visually stunning presentation.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 609.6
- Fat Content: 39.6g
- Saturated Fat Content: 24.9g
- Cholesterol Content: 124.7mg
- Sodium Content: 363.5mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 57.2g
- Fiber Content: 0.7g
- Sugar Content: 36.1g
- Protein Content: 8.9g
Review:
With an aggregated rating of 5 stars based on 3 reviews, this French Cream Cheese and Preserves spread has garnered praise for its delicious taste and visually appealing presentation. It’s the perfect addition to any breakfast or brunch table, especially during festive occasions like Christmas, and it comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a convenient option for busy hosts. Plus, it can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator, allowing for easy entertaining without compromising on flavor or quality. Whether served with croissants, muffins, or bagels, this spread is sure to elevate any meal and impress guests with its elegant simplicity.
