Recipe: Date-Nut Cream Cheese

This spread makes a delicious and nutritious filling for anything from a sandwich to a celery stick. For a different taste, skip the cream cheese and stir the ingredients into peanut or almond butter. Yum!

Adult: Yes
Active time: 10 minutes
Total time: 10 minutes
Makes: 3-4 servings

Kitchen Gear:

• Measuring spoons
• Measuring cup
• Sharp Knife (adult needed) or scissors
• Fork
• Mixing bowl
• Cutting board
  

Ingredients:

• 7 dates or ¼ cup raisins, dried cranberries, or currants
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened at room temperature
• 1 tablespoon buttermilk, low-fat yogurt or milk
• ¼ cup chopped toasted walnuts
  

Instructions:

1. Pit and chop the dates (if you use dates). If you like, you can cut them up with a clean pair of scissors instead of a knife!
2. Put the cream cheese and buttermilk in a bowl and using a fork, mash until it is smooth.
3. Add the dates (or dried fruit) and walnuts and mash until it is all combined.
4. Serve right away or cover and refrigerate up to 3 days.

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