Name: Hot Raspberry Spread Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 8 oz raspberry preserves; 16 oz Picante sauce; 8 oz cream cheese

This hot raspberry spread is a perfect blend of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors. The base of this recipe is a mixture of raspberry preserves and picante sauce, which gives it a unique kick. The addition of cream cheese not only adds a creamy texture but also balances out the spiciness of the picante sauce. This easy-to-make spread is perfect for parties, potlucks, or just as a delightful snack on a lazy weekend.

Photos of Hot Raspberry Spread Recipe

All the three key ingredients - raspberry preserves, picante sauce, and cream cheese are commonly available in supermarkets. However, for the picante sauce, which is a type of salsa, you may find multiple options varying in spiciness and flavors. Choose the one according to your preference. Raspberry preserves are different from jam or jelly, as they have more fruit pieces, providing better texture for the spread.

Hot Raspberry Spread Ingredients

Raspberry preserves: These are made from whole raspberries, sugar, and pectin. The whole fruit gives it a rich texture and deep raspberry flavor.\n**Picante sauce: A type of salsa that originates from Spanish and Mexican cuisine. It is made from tomatoes, chilies, and onions, and is more liquid than traditional salsas, with a tangy and spicy flavor.\nCream cheese**: A soft, mild-tasting cheese made from cream and milk. It adds a creamy and smooth texture to the spread, and its mild flavor helps balance the sweetness of the raspberry preserves and the spiciness of the picante sauce.

One reader, Chas Craft says:

This hot raspberry spread recipe is a game-changer! The combination of sweet raspberry preserves and spicy picante sauce creates a unique and delicious flavor. The cream cheese adds a creamy texture that perfectly balances the heat. It's a hit at parties and always leaves guests asking for the recipe. Highly recommended!

Chas Craft

Mastering the Art of Hot Raspberry Spread

How to mix the raspberry preserves and picante sauce: In a medium bowl, combine the raspberry preserves and picante sauce until well mixed.

How to assemble the spread: Place the cream cheese on a medium serving dish, then cover it with the raspberry preserves and picante sauce mixture.

How to serve: Accompany the spread with your favorite crackers for a delightful snack or appetizer.

How To Make Hot Raspberry Spread

You only need 3 ingredients to make this hot raspberry spread! It’s a rich and creamy spread that works over savory or sweet treats.

Preparation: 10 minutes

Cooking:

Total: 10 minutes

Serves:

Ingredients

8ozraspberry preserves,(1 jar)
16ozpicante sauce,(1 jar)
8ozcream cheese,(1 package), softened

Instructions

In a medium bowl, mix together the raspberry preserves and picante sauce.
Place the cream cheese on a medium serving dish. Cover with the raspberry preserves and picante sauce mixture.
Serve with desired crackers and enjoy.

Nutrition

Calories: 351.53kcal
Fat: 19.45g
Saturated Fat: 10.94g
Monounsaturated Fat: 4.91g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.81g
Carbohydrates: 41.35g
Fiber: 0.62g
Sugar: 29.32g
Protein: 3.57g
Cholesterol: 62.37mg
Sodium: 225.10mg
Calcium: 66.90mg
Potassium: 121.90mg
Iron: 0.49mg
Vitamin A: 207.52µg
Vitamin C: 4.99mg

Elevate Your Skills with This Essential Technique Tip

To ensure your hot raspberry spread has a smooth consistency, you can heat the raspberry preserves and picante sauce mixture slightly before pouring it over the cream cheese. This will also help the flavors to meld together more effectively. Remember to stir the mixture continuously while heating to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

Streamline Your Cooking Process with These Time-Saving Tips

Prep ahead: Prepare the raspberry and picante sauce mixture in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Use pre-made: Consider using pre-made raspberry preserves and picante sauce to save time on preparation.

Quick assembly: Opt for pre-sliced or pre-cut ingredients to streamline the assembly process.

Efficient layout: Organize your workspace and ingredients beforehand to ensure a smooth and efficient cooking process.

Multi-task: While the spread is setting, use that time to prepare other elements of your meal to maximize efficiency.

Substitute Ingredients For Hot Raspberry Spread Recipe

raspberry preserves - Substitute with strawberry preserves: Strawberry preserves can provide a similar sweet and tangy flavor to the dish, while still offering a fruity spread.
picante sauce - Substitute with salsa: Salsa can be used as a substitute for picante sauce as it also provides a spicy and tangy flavor, adding a similar kick to the recipe.
cream cheese - Substitute with goat cheese: Goat cheese can be used as a substitute for cream cheese to provide a tangy and creamy element to the recipe, adding a unique flavor profile.

Elevate Your Presentation with These Serving Ideas

Elevate the cream cheese: Gently mold the cream cheese into a quenelle shape using two spoons for a more refined presentation.
Garnish with fresh raspberries: Place a few fresh raspberries on top of the spread to add a pop of color and a burst of freshness.
Artfully arrange crackers: Instead of simply placing the crackers on a plate, create a visually appealing arrangement by stacking and layering them in a geometric pattern around the spread.
Incorporate edible flowers: Introduce a touch of elegance by adding edible flowers such as pansies or violets to the plating for a delicate and sophisticated touch.
Use fine dining serveware: Opt for elegant, high-quality serveware such as fine china or artisanal ceramic dishes to showcase the spread in a luxurious manner.
Add a drizzle of balsamic reduction: For a gourmet touch, drizzle a small amount of balsamic reduction around the edges of the spread to enhance the flavor profile and create an upscale presentation.

Essential Equipment for Crafting the Perfect Spread

Food processor: A food processor is a versatile kitchen tool that can be used for chopping, pureeing, and blending ingredients. It's great for making sauces, dips, and spreads.
Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is essential for combining ingredients and mixing the raspberry preserves, picante sauce, and cream cheese together for the hot raspberry spread.

Preserving Perfection: Storage and Freezing Guidelines

Let the hot raspberry spread cool completely to room temperature before storing or freezing.
Transfer the spread to an airtight container or jar with a tight-fitting lid.
If storing in the refrigerator, the spread will keep for up to 2 weeks. Make sure to label the container with the date of preparation.
For longer storage, you can freeze the hot raspberry spread:
- Spoon the cooled spread into freezer-safe containers or resealable freezer bags, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace to allow for expansion during freezing.
- Label the containers or bags with the date and contents.
- Place the containers or bags in the freezer, laying them flat for even freezing.
- Frozen hot raspberry spread will maintain its best quality for up to 6 months.
To thaw frozen spread, transfer the container from the freezer to the refrigerator and allow it to thaw overnight.
Once thawed, stir the spread well to redistribute any separated ingredients and use within 1-2 weeks.
Note: The texture of the cream cheese may change slightly after freezing and thawing, becoming slightly grainy, but the flavor will remain delicious.

Discover an Intriguing Tidbit About Hot Raspberry Spread

Raspberry preserves are a great source of antioxidants, which can help protect the body from damage caused by harmful molecules known as free radicals. This makes the hot raspberry spread not only delicious but also a nutritious addition to your snack or appetizer spread.

Budget-Friendly Bliss: Is This Recipe Easy on the Wallet?

This raspberry spread recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients are reasonably priced and can be found in most grocery stores. The combination of raspberry preserves and picante sauce creates a unique and flavorful spread that can be used in various dishes. The addition of cream cheese adds a creamy texture, balancing the flavors. Overall, I would rate this recipe a 8/10 for its affordability and versatility. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $10-$15, making it a budget-friendly option for a delicious snack or appetizer.

Is This Spread Nutritious or Indulgent?

This recipe, while tasty, is not particularly healthy due to several factors:

High sugar content from the raspberry preserves
High sodium content from the picante sauce
High fat content from the cream cheese
Lack of nutritional value, as it primarily consists of processed ingredients

The combination of sugar, sodium, and fat in this recipe can contribute to various health issues if consumed in excess, such as obesity, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular problems.

To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:

Use a low-sugar or sugar-free raspberry preserve to reduce the overall sugar content
Opt for a low-sodium picante sauce or make your own using fresh ingredients to control the sodium levels
Replace the cream cheese with a lower-fat alternative, such as Neufchâtel cheese or Greek yogurt
Incorporate fresh raspberries into the mixture to add fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants
Serve with whole-grain crackers or vegetable crudités to increase the nutritional value of the overall dish

By making these adjustments, you can create a more balanced and health-conscious version of this raspberry spread while still maintaining its delightful flavor profile. Remember, moderation is key, and this spread should be enjoyed as an occasional treat rather than a regular staple in your diet.

Our Editor's Take on This Delightful Raspberry Creation

This hot raspberry spread recipe is a unique and bold combination of flavors. The sweetness of the raspberry preserves pairs beautifully with the heat of the picante sauce, creating a delicious and unexpected spread. The addition of cream cheese adds a creamy and tangy element that balances out the flavors. This spread is versatile and can be served as an appetizer with crackers or as a condiment for sandwiches and wraps. It's a delightful twist on traditional spreads and is sure to impress your guests with its bold and vibrant taste.

Enhance Your Hot Raspberry Spread Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:

Grilled Asparagus: Try serving the hot raspberry spread with a side of grilled asparagus for a delicious and healthy combination.

Bacon-wrapped Dates: For a sweet and savory pairing, consider serving the hot raspberry spread with bacon-wrapped dates as a unique side dish.

Mango Salsa: Add a tropical twist to your appetizer by serving it with a side of fresh mango salsa for a burst of flavor.

Butternut Squash Soup: Warm up your taste buds by pairing the hot raspberry spread with a creamy butternut squash soup for a comforting and satisfying meal.

Explore These Tantalizing Alternatives to Hot Raspberry Spread

Savory Stuffed Bell Peppers: Create a flavorful filling using ground beef, rice, and a variety of spices. Stuff the mixture into bell peppers and bake until tender.

Mango Salsa Chicken: Marinate chicken in a zesty mango salsa and grill to perfection. Serve with a side of cilantro lime rice for a delicious meal.

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup: Simmer fresh tomatoes, onions, and garlic in a creamy broth. Blend until smooth and stir in fresh basil for a comforting and flavorful soup.

Chocolate Covered Strawberries: Melt chocolate and dip fresh strawberries for an elegant and indulgent dessert. Allow the chocolate to set before serving for a sweet treat.

Ideal Main Courses and Desserts to Complement Your Spread

Main Courses:

Grilled Salmon: Marinate the salmon in a zesty citrus and herb mixture before grilling to perfection. Serve with a side of roasted vegetables for a healthy and flavorful meal.

Stuffed Bell Peppers: Create a filling mixture of ground meat, rice, and spices to stuff inside colorful bell peppers. Bake until the peppers are tender and the filling is cooked through. Top with melted cheese for a comforting and satisfying dish.

Desserts:

Chocolate Mousse: Indulge in a rich and velvety chocolate mousse, topped with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cocoa powder for an elegant and decadent dessert experience.

Apple Crisp: Savor the warm and comforting flavors of baked apples, cinnamon, and a crunchy oat topping in this classic apple crisp. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the perfect balance of sweetness and texture.

Why trust this Hot Raspberry Spread Recipe:

This recipe is a delightful combination of raspberry preserves and picante sauce, creating a unique and flavorful spread. The addition of cream cheese adds a creamy and rich texture, making it a perfect complement to any dish. The sweet and spicy flavors are balanced, offering a tantalizing taste experience. Trust the harmony of these quality ingredients to elevate your culinary creations.

Want to share your experience making this Hot Raspberry Spread or discuss variations and serving suggestions? Head over to the Recipe Sharing forum and join the conversation!

FAQ:

What is the best way to serve this hot raspberry spread?

The best way to serve this hot raspberry spread is to place the cream cheese on a serving dish and cover it with the raspberry preserves and picante sauce mixture. Serve it with your favorite crackers for a delicious snack or appetizer.

Can I use a different type of preserves instead of raspberry?

Yes, you can definitely use a different type of preserves if you prefer. Feel free to experiment with different flavors such as strawberry, blackberry, or apricot to create your own unique spread.

Is this hot raspberry spread spicy?

The hot raspberry spread has a bit of a kick from the picante sauce, but it's not overly spicy. The sweetness of the raspberry preserves balances out the heat, creating a flavorful and mildly spicy spread.

How long can I store the hot raspberry spread?

You can store the hot raspberry spread in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Just make sure to give it a good stir before serving if it has been stored for a while.

Can I make this spread ahead of time for a party?

Absolutely! You can make the hot raspberry spread ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve. This makes it a convenient and tasty option for entertaining.