Festive Appetizer Spread

This sauce could also be served as an accompaniment to poultry or pork.

• Ready In: 25 mins
• Serves: 6
• Yields: 3 cups

Ingredients

• 1  cup water
• 1  cup sugar
• 1 (12 ounce) package fresh cranberries or 1 (12 ounce) package frozen cranberries
• 1⁄2 cup  apricot preserves
• 2  tablespoons lemon juice
• 1⁄3 cup  slivered almonds, toasted
• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese
•  assorted  cracker

Directions

1. In a saucepan over medium heat, bring water and sugar to a boil without stirring; boil for 5 minutes. Add cranberries; cook until berries pop and sauce is thickened, about 10 minutes. Remove from the heat.
2. Cut apricots in the preserves into small pieces; add to the cranberry mixture. Stir in lemon juice. Cool. Add almonds.
3. Spoon over cream cheese; serve with crackers. Store leftovers in refrigerator.