Nutty Cheese Spread with Fruit Chutney

 

3/4

cup diced dried fruit and raisin mixture (from 7-ounce package)

1/4

cup sweetened dried cranberries

1/2

cup apple cider

1

tablespoon cider vinegar

1/4

teaspoon ground ginger

1/4

teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/4

cup chopped walnuts

1

package (8 ounces) fat-free cream cheese, softened

Crackers, if desired

1

package (7 ounces) water crackers

• 1 Mix all ingredients except walnuts, cream cheese and crackers in 2-quart saucepan. Cook over medium heat about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until fruit is plump and mixture is thick. Cover and refrigerate about 1 hour or until completely cooled.
• 2 Meanwhile, heat oven to 350°. Spread walnuts on cookie sheet. Bake 5 to 7 minutes, stirring twice, until light golden brown; cool.
• 3 Mix walnuts and cream cheese in medium bowl. Spread cream cheese mixture in 1/2-inch-thick layer on serving plate. Top with chutney. Serve with crackers.