I love bagels! While I have been known to have one toasted for breakfast, I haven't let that stop me from having them for lunch (sometimes with sandwich fixings inside), a fast dinner (they're great smothered with pizza toppings and warmed under the broiler) and even as a snack.
This month, I present a couple of my favorite bagel spreads. They all start with a block of softened 1/3-less-fat cream cheese. From there, the sky's the limit! If you have a favorite spread, please let me know. I'm always looking for something wonderful to spread on my bagel!
Orange Bagel Spread
- 1 (8 oz.) pkg. 1/3-less-fat cream cheese, softened
- 3 T. orange marmalade
- 2 T. pecans, finely chopped
Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl. Beat on medium speed until well blended. Store in an air-tight container in the refrigerator. Use within one week for best quality.
- Yields: about 1 1/2 cups spread
- Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Maple Nut Bagel Spread
- 1 (8 oz.) pkg. 1/3-less-fat cream cheese, softened
- 2 T. maple syrup
- 2 T. walnuts, chopped
Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl. Beat on medium speed until well blended. Store in an air-tight container in the refrigerator. Use within one week for best quality.
- Yields: about 1 1/2 cups spread
- Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cinnamon Raisin Bagel Spread
- 1 (8 oz.) pkg. 1/3-less-fat cream cheese, softened
- 2 T. sugar
- 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
- 3 T. golden raisins
Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl. Mix until well blended. Store in an air-tight container in the refrigerator. Use within one week for best quality.
- Yields: about 1 1/2 cups spread
- Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Crab Bagel Spread
- 1 (8 oz.) pkg. 1/3-less-fat cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 c. crabmeat, finely chopped
- 1 tsp. lemon juice
- 2 T. onion, finely chopped
Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl. Mix until well blended. Store in an air-tight container in the refrigerator. Use within one week for best quality.
- Yields: about 1 1/2 cups spread
- Preparation Time: 5 minutes