I love a good savory spread to serve with hearty crackers as part of what I call an “appetizer threesome”. And this spread, one of my all-time favorites, I’ve had the pleasure of fixing and enjoying now for over 15 years. It’s simple to prepare and contains ingredients I usually have on hand.

And if truth be known, I’ve used it in place of butter and sour cream on baked potatoes, let it slowly melt on a medium rare steak, decorated simple steamed veggies with its lovely savory creaminess, and even used it as a sandwich spread. It’s pretty much a delicious and very versatile spread to have on hand.

So next time you decide that you need a little something for an appetizer, that can also be used in other ways, give this recipe a try. (And yes, it tastes amazingly like some of those really expensive soft cheese spreads that come in very small containers or tiny foil wrapped packages.)

But before I go any further, I should explain what I mean by an “appetizer threesome”. Even if I am having a very casual dinner party, when my guests arrive I always have at least 3 types of nibbles to munch on while Mr. C. fixes everyone’s beverage of choice. The nibbles are a great way to start conversations among strangers, or to talk around even if your family and guests have known each other for 40 years.

Also great for me because while my guests are enjoying the appetizers and drinks, I have time to put the finishing touches on dinner. And no, for small informal dinner get-togethers, the appetizers are not necessarily going to be fancy. Sometimes a dip or spread with crackers (like this one), often a hand-full of nuts, maybe a few tiny cornichons, or a small plate of cheese bites. Usually, nothing too fancy, and never too much of a good thing. (You want to whet people’s appetite, not fill them up before the main course has even been served!) I mean seriously! You’ve gone to all the work of preparing a fabulous meal. You don’t want your guests to be too full to enjoy the rest of your efforts. Remember my simple adage: it’s really just all about me! And in the case of before dinner munchies, and the dishes to follow, it’s about creating an all-around pleasurable dining experience for your family, your guests, and the “me” part – yourself. Food for thought (not usually served as one of the appetizer threesome, but in this case it might be apropos); if your family and friends are having a great time eating your food, there is nothing that feels better than being the accomplished hostess who made it all happen. Cheers everyone! And enjoy this spread.

• 2 T. unsalted butter, room temp.
• 1 (8-oz.) pkg. low-fat cream cheese or Neufchâtel cheese, room temperature
• 1 garlic clove, finely minced
• 2 T. chopped fresh Italian parsley
• 2 T. fresh or 1 T. freeze dried chopped chives
• ¼ tsp. dried dill weed
• 1/8 tsp. dried thyme leaves
• ¼ tsp. kosher salt
• freshly ground black pepper

Combine all the ingredients, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 days before serving at room temperature sprinkled lightly with additional black pepper.