Smooth, creamy and easy spread to take to potlucks and tail gate parties

Tail gate parties and chili cook offs are great fun! When you are looking for a recipe to take to one of those gatherings, it can be tough to find something tasty, simple and portable.

The obvious choice is a great chili recipe that can be made ahead of time and carried in your crock pot to the tail gate party. However, if you are asked to bring an appetizer or side dish, you might want to try this spiced cracker spread. It is a great take along that goes well with crackers and pretzels.

Do not be fooled by the name, it is not spicy in a mouth searing way. It is simply seasoned with several spices for a super flavor.

Spiced Cracker Spread

1 (8 oz) block of cream cheese
¼ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 TB Milk
¼ tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp black pepper
¼ tsp dried basil
¼ tsp salt

Cut the cream cheese into ½ inch cubes and place in small sauce pan. Add the mozzarella and milk. Heat over low temperature until completely melted. Add spices and mix thoroughly. Serve in a small bowl.

Look at those grains of pepper and bits of basil!

Make it a meal:  Place the small bowl in the center of a plate, surrounded with a variety of crackers.

Approximate Nutritional Value per serving: Servings per Recipe: 6, Calories: 143, Fat: 14g, Cholesterol: 44mg, Sodium: 146mg, Total Carbs: 2g, Protein: 4g.

Variations: Replace the spices with 1 tsp taco seasoning for a Southwestern flavor. Use 1 tsp Italian spice blend and diced pepperoni for a Tuscany theme. A teaspoon of hot sauce and a ¼ cup of bleu cheese turns this into Buffalo spread.

This spread is best served warm. To keep it warm use a small crock pot as your serving dish. Or place it in a microwavable bowl and reheat as needed.

When I am creating a cracker tray, I like to use a variety of crackers. Simple saltines, fancy Ritz, wheat crackers, soda crackers, rye and veggie infused crackers all look good on the tray. Pretzels also serve as a good scoop for this spread.

I have also served this with pita chips, bagel chips and with tortilla chips. Match your chip flavors and styles to the spice combination you have selected. If you are really feeling adventurous, add some veggies to the tray. Carrots, pepper slices and broccoli florets are colorful and popular.

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