Creamy Whipped Brie with Cranberry Salsa

Brie is whipped until creamy with cream cheese, pepper and lemon zest, then served with cranberry-jalapeno salsa.

Ingredients

Salsa

• 2 cups fresh cranberries
• 3 medium green onions, finely chopped
• 1 small red jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced
• 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro
• 1 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 1/2 tablespoons peeled and finely minced fresh gingerroot

Whipped Brie

• 3/4 pound brie cheese, room temperature
• 8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
• Crackers
  

Instructions

Salsa

1. Pulse the cranberries in a food processor until very finely chopped. Transfer to a bowl.
2. Stir in the green onions, jalapeno, sugar, salt, cilantro, lemon juice and ginger.
3. Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours. Stir occasionally.

Whipped Brie

1. Remove the rind from the brie and put the cheese into a food processor with the cream cheese, pepper and lemon zest. Process until very smooth.
2. Transfer to a serving bowl. Cover and refrigerate. (This can be made 24 hours in advance.)
3. Bring to room temperature 1 hour before serving.
4. Serve with crackers and the salsa on the side.

Yield: 8 to 10 servings