Richard's Whipped Feta & Cranberry Dip

 

Our good friend Richard made this sensational cranberry-topped whipped feta dip as a festive appetizer while we were visiting before Christmas. A joyous appetizer with the colours of Christmas, this gorgeous dip made with fresh feta cheese is combined with herbs, garlic, and cream cheese, and whipped until super-smooth, then topped with tart homemade cranberry sauce, toasted pistachios, and honey. The result is a salty, creamy, sweet, tart, and absolutely irresistible — the perfect appetizer for wowing at your holiday dinner or New Year's Eve celebration. 

Fresh cranberries stewing in orange juice and sprig of thyme

After about 25 minutes, the cranberries become saucy and jam-like

Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip with Pistachios

Serves 6-8

Recipe courtesy of Delish

1/3 cup fresh orange juice, plus finely grated zest of 1 orange

4 tbsp honey, divided

1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries

1 sprig thyme, plus 2 tsp chopped thyme leaves

6 oz feta in brine, cut into small cubes 

1 clove garlic, minced

1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes

6 oz cream cheese, at room temperature

2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

2 tbsp toasted chopped pistachios

Crackers or crostini, for serving

In a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk the orange juice and 1 tablespoon honey until combined, then bring to a boil. Add the cranberries and thyme sprig and return to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook, stirring occasionally, until cranberries burst and become saucy, 20 to 25 minutes. Remove thyme and stir in orange zest and allow to cool. 

Meanwhile, drain brine from the feta. In a food processor, pulse the feta, garlic, red pepper flakes, and chopped thyme until the feta is broken up into small crumbs. Add the cream cheese and pulse until combined. With the motor running, drizzle in oil and blend until mixture is smooth and fluffy. 

 

Transfer the whipped feta mixture to a decorative serving bowl and drizzle with about 3 tablespoons of honey. Top with the cooled cranberry sauce and sprinkle with pistachios. Serve with crackers or homemade crostini alongside.

Richard's Crostini

Richard extends the life of fresh baguette by slicing in 3 and storing it in a large freezer bag. If using the next day, leave on the counter in the bag. For later use, put the bag in the freezer. Allow to thaw before use, then make Richard's crostini.

Frozen baguette, thawed

2 tbsp olive oil

Maldon salt for garnish

Preheat oven to 375°F. Slice thawed baguette into crostini and place on a parchment lined baking sheet. Brush with olive oil and sprinkle with malden salt. Bake for 10 minutes, and let cool before serving with cheese or this delicious Cranberry Whipped Feta Dip.