This is a JiT original, and we should all thank him for this easy but incredibly tasty idea! All together: “Thank you, JiT!”
As a lover of savory breakfast, I’ve always been a big fan of a toasted bagel spread with a liberal schmear of vegetable cream cheese. Unfortunately, many of the “veggie” cream cheeses available at the supermarket, and even those at bakeries can be rather pathetic. It that a fleck of carrot??
Then, last week, JiT randomly whipped up his own version by tossing into a food processor a mix of carrots, celery, green onions, cucumber and cilantro. Then he added lowfat cream cheese (also called neufatchel cheese) and whipped it until blended and fluffy. Wow! Talk about flavor!
Spread liberally on a toasted “everything” bagel and be amazed. Stored in an airtight container in the fridge and this stuff will last 4 or 5 days (if you don’t eat it all first). Add in the fact that its low in fact and provides a small serving of veggies and I bet you’ll never go back to store-bought again.
Now, before we get to the recipe, I have to say that this one really isn’t possible if you don’t own a food processor. I just received one as a shower gift this fall and boy do I love it! I use it nearly every night to chop onions or other veggies, shred cheese, slice potatoes for chips…even grind coffee! Really, I think its an essential item for any kitchen.
With that in mind….I’m proud to announce my first-ever GIVEAWAY!
In addition to the red Kitchenaide food processor I’d registered for, last fall I also received as a bridal shower gift a small 3-cup Cuisinart food processor. Since we have very limited kitchen space and this didn’t have a receipt, I thought I’d pass this fabulous product on to my fabulous readers!!!
Here’s the deal:
Prize: 1 brand-new Cuisinart 3-cup “Mini-Prep Plus” Food Processor
*Please note that I will only ship the prize to an address within the U.S.
Deadline: Enter your comment before 5 pm CT on Friday, January 23, 2009.
A randomly-selected winner will be announced on Monday, 1/26. Good luck!
We’ll see how this goes. Though I don’t expect to have any other duplicate wedding gifts to pass on, should I receive any offers of fun food samples or kitchen swag that I can share with you guys in the future, I definitely will!
And, now, for the cream cheese recipe:
JiTs Veggie Cream Cheese
1/2 a fresh cucumber, peeled, chopped into large chunks and seeds removed
1 small carrot, peeled and chopped into large chunks
1 small rib of celery, chopped into large pieces
2 green onions, white and light green parts
leaves from a few sprigs of fresh cilantro (about a half teaspoon’s worth)
1 block cream cheese or “neufatchel” cheese, sliced into pieces
Salt & pepper to taste
Place all veggies in the bowl of a food processor and chop until the mixture is purreed into small pieces. To remove any excess moisture, transfer the veggie mixture to a wire sieve and drain, squeezing out any liquid. Place veggies back in the food processor and add cream cheese. Process again until veggies are distributed and mixture is whipped and creamy. Add salt & pepper to taste and process for another few seconds to distribute. Store refridgerated in an airtight container and serve smeared on your favorite, toasted bagel.
Oh what the heck, I’ll put my name in for a chance to win.
Oh what the heck, I’ll put my name in for a chance to win.
Thank you JiT! This veggie dip looks delicious. I cannot wait to make it. I love going to get fresh bagels and am going to have to venture out to do this weekend. =)For your first giveaway you go all out, how exciting is this. I would use it replace the ghetto manual food chopper thingy I use. I would probably use it to chop up veggies and stick them in normal every day foods (to trick myself into eating more veggies)!
Thank you JiT! This veggie dip looks delicious. I cannot wait to make it. I love going to get fresh bagels and am going to have to venture out to do this weekend. =)For your first giveaway you go all out, how exciting is this. I would use it replace the ghetto manual food chopper thingy I use. I would probably use it to chop up veggies and stick them in normal every day foods (to trick myself into eating more veggies)!
I’d love this!
I’d love this!
Hit it too fast! I’d love to have this BUT…I’d give it to my son- 1st year med student living in a house for the 1st time. ***** Plesee delete the 1st entry!! Sorry!
Hit it too fast! I’d love to have this BUT…I’d give it to my son- 1st year med student living in a house for the 1st time. ***** Plesee delete the 1st entry!! Sorry!
This is something I really need. I would use this to make chimichurri. I love to make it to marinade meats or use as sauce. I would also try that veggie dip because it looks delicious.
This is something I really need. I would use this to make chimichurri. I love to make it to marinade meats or use as sauce. I would also try that veggie dip because it looks delicious.
Wow, I just started reading your blog and now you have a give away. This is better than Perez Hilton!!Cutting veggies is a pain in to butt. I’d use this bad boy to make my life easier.. and then I can drink more wine while sitting on my couch watching the food network!
Wow, I just started reading your blog and now you have a give away. This is better than Perez Hilton!!Cutting veggies is a pain in to butt. I’d use this bad boy to make my life easier.. and then I can drink more wine while sitting on my couch watching the food network!
Hi, what a wonderful giveaway!! I’ve never used a Food Processor before! This would be awesome to win! Would love to try that veggie dip you made. Probably would use it for veggies mostly or something.
Hi, what a wonderful giveaway!! I’ve never used a Food Processor before! This would be awesome to win! Would love to try that veggie dip you made. Probably would use it for veggies mostly or something.
Your fiance uses your food processor to make food? I am so jealous! I’ve got the boyfriend juicing oranges on some weekend mornings, but I don’t think it’s going to go beyond that!So, what would I do with the food processor? I would probably use it most to chop herbs. I’ve always wanted to have a dedicated coffee grinder to use for this purpose, but have never gotten around to it!
Your fiance uses your food processor to make food? I am so jealous! I’ve got the boyfriend juicing oranges on some weekend mornings, but I don’t think it’s going to go beyond that!So, what would I do with the food processor? I would probably use it most to chop herbs. I’ve always wanted to have a dedicated coffee grinder to use for this purpose, but have never gotten around to it!
i broke my food processor over christmas making cookies! love your blog!!!
i broke my food processor over christmas making cookies! love your blog!!!
oh my gosh…seriously every day I think to myself, “I really need to buy a food processor”. I constantly see recipes that call for it and being newly married, am trying to branch out and try lots of new stuff. Unfortunately I don’t think hubs wants me to run out and by more things to fill our kitchen with…but he can’t say anything if i WIN one…right…?! š
oh my gosh…seriously every day I think to myself, “I really need to buy a food processor”. I constantly see recipes that call for it and being newly married, am trying to branch out and try lots of new stuff. Unfortunately I don’t think hubs wants me to run out and by more things to fill our kitchen with…but he can’t say anything if i WIN one…right…?! š
That is an AWESOME giveaway!! I’m not putting my hat in the ring though because I have one but to everyone thinking about entering…It’s rad, friends. It’s reliable, easy to store and swift…enjoy and congratulations to whoever wins!!
That is an AWESOME giveaway!! I’m not putting my hat in the ring though because I have one but to everyone thinking about entering…It’s rad, friends. It’s reliable, easy to store and swift…enjoy and congratulations to whoever wins!!
You don’t have to enter me, I have one, but I just had to say;What a kick ass giveaway!!!!
You don’t have to enter me, I have one, but I just had to say;What a kick ass giveaway!!!!
If I won I would use it to food process delicious snacks for my fabulous and beautiful knitting friends… (does sucking up improve my chances?) š although let’s be honest, maybe anne would benefit from something like this more. imagine how her life would change if she could blend/chop AND broil!!! š
If I won I would use it to food process delicious snacks for my fabulous and beautiful knitting friends… (does sucking up improve my chances?) š although let’s be honest, maybe anne would benefit from something like this more. imagine how her life would change if she could blend/chop AND broil!!! š
i’d probably use it to puree mangos or something to make margaritas. if i win, you and jt would be invited over to sample them. and i’d even make some regular on the rocks margaritas with the mescal float the way jt likes them.
i’d probably use it to puree mangos or something to make margaritas. if i win, you and jt would be invited over to sample them. and i’d even make some regular on the rocks margaritas with the mescal float the way jt likes them.
I am NOT registering for this giveaway because we already have a big ass Cuisenart (and just gave away our old one) plus another chopper processing thingy for smaller projects. But, I do want you to enter my name. And if I win, I say make JiT make Sweets and me a batch of that scrumptious sounding cream cheese. =) Ha, I kid.
I am NOT registering for this giveaway because we already have a big ass Cuisenart (and just gave away our old one) plus another chopper processing thingy for smaller projects. But, I do want you to enter my name. And if I win, I say make JiT make Sweets and me a batch of that scrumptious sounding cream cheese. =) Ha, I kid.
I would use the food processor to a.) chop almonds for my favorite biscotti recipe b.) shred carrots and cabbage for my favorite coleslaw recipe and c.) to mince mint and parley for the most delicious caper-mint sauce for lamb … oh the possibilities are endless!
I would use the food processor to a.) chop almonds for my favorite biscotti recipe b.) shred carrots and cabbage for my favorite coleslaw recipe and c.) to mince mint and parley for the most delicious caper-mint sauce for lamb … oh the possibilities are endless!
I would definitely use it to make bigger batches of my favorite pineapple salsa (or really any salsa), especially when summer finally arrives!
I would definitely use it to make bigger batches of my favorite pineapple salsa (or really any salsa), especially when summer finally arrives!
i would use it to make this wonderful veggie dip you are just gave me the recipe for!! duh.what an amazing giveaway!
i would use it to make this wonderful veggie dip you are just gave me the recipe for!! duh.what an amazing giveaway!
I would most definitely use this! I used to have a very small food processer that died, so this would be very welcome in my kitchen! cdziuba@aol.com
I would most definitely use this! I used to have a very small food processer that died, so this would be very welcome in my kitchen! cdziuba@aol.com
Thanks for the opportunity. I’d use it for dips and salsa are the first things to come to mind but I know I’ve got other bookmarked recipes elsewhere that I could now make with it. Chriszekks at yahoo dot com
Thanks for the opportunity. I’d use it for dips and salsa are the first things to come to mind but I know I’ve got other bookmarked recipes elsewhere that I could now make with it. Chriszekks at yahoo dot com
it would be so perfect for pesto
it would be so perfect for pesto
Oooh, cool giveaway! I would leave it right out on my counter because it looks great. I would make super smooth crepe batter with it. We have been making them for practically every meal on the weekends.
Oooh, cool giveaway! I would leave it right out on my counter because it looks great. I would make super smooth crepe batter with it. We have been making them for practically every meal on the weekends.
I don’t need this at all (mostly because I don’t cook, which you well know), but I just wanted to say this recipe and photo have made me crave a bagel with veggie cream cheese. At 6pm. I totally blame JiT, even though he’s a Browns fan and I try not to add to their depression when I can help it.
I don’t need this at all (mostly because I don’t cook, which you well know), but I just wanted to say this recipe and photo have made me crave a bagel with veggie cream cheese. At 6pm. I totally blame JiT, even though he’s a Browns fan and I try not to add to their depression when I can help it.
Ooh, I’d use it to make pesto, hummus, salsa, dukkah…yum! gmail: sockpal2
Ooh, I’d use it to make pesto, hummus, salsa, dukkah…yum! gmail: sockpal2
Mmmm…the dip looks delicious! I think I would have to use the food possessor to make milkshakes!
Mmmm…the dip looks delicious! I think I would have to use the food possessor to make milkshakes!
omg!!! do you know the amount of chopping time you’d save me to win this?! Three meals a day, chop, chop, chop!!!mariannakeough at hotmail.com
omg!!! do you know the amount of chopping time you’d save me to win this?! Three meals a day, chop, chop, chop!!!mariannakeough at hotmail.com
This would be perfect for that little amount of whatever, nuts, onion, pepper….it’s be great to use instead of getting the big one out for something so small.
This would be perfect for that little amount of whatever, nuts, onion, pepper….it’s be great to use instead of getting the big one out for something so small.
I’d love to have this to chop veggies, nuts, and all kinds of goodies. My big FP is on it’s last legs and is a pain to clean.
I’d love to have this to chop veggies, nuts, and all kinds of goodies. My big FP is on it’s last legs and is a pain to clean.
A wonderful giveaway. I would like to have it.
A wonderful giveaway. I would like to have it.
Oh I’d love this. This looks like a perfect size for most things.rsgrandinetti(at)yahoo(dot)com
Oh I’d love this. This looks like a perfect size for most things.rsgrandinetti(at)yahoo(dot)com
Kitchenaid makes wonderful product. I have one of their blenders!I would use this gorgeous little food processor to make fresh SALSA, among other things.I am a vegetarian and it would come in handy.Thanks for a very generous giveaway and for SHARING the wealth!LeslieLeslieVeg@msn.com
Kitchenaid makes wonderful product. I have one of their blenders!I would use this gorgeous little food processor to make fresh SALSA, among other things.I am a vegetarian and it would come in handy.Thanks for a very generous giveaway and for SHARING the wealth!LeslieLeslieVeg@msn.com
I have always wanted to make a crust out of almonds I could do that with this.
I have always wanted to make a crust out of almonds I could do that with this.
Awesome giveaway! I would most definately use this for the bean dips and hummus recipes I’m always throwing together, Thanks!
Awesome giveaway! I would most definately use this for the bean dips and hummus recipes I’m always throwing together, Thanks!
I’d use this to make pesto and to chop nuts. Thanks
I’d use this to make pesto and to chop nuts. Thanks
I’d love to try and make my own Muffaletta sandwiches and could really use this to make a delicious olive spread!kayceewilliams at gmail dot com
I’d love to try and make my own Muffaletta sandwiches and could really use this to make a delicious olive spread!kayceewilliams at gmail dot com
What a great giveaway! Consider me entered (and if you could pick me, that would be great too!)
What a great giveaway! Consider me entered (and if you could pick me, that would be great too!)
I would love this to make homemade baby food!
I would love this to make homemade baby food!
I would use it to make salsa, YUM! We eat so much salsa…This is really sweet of you to do, thanks :o)Kath
I would use it to make salsa, YUM! We eat so much salsa…This is really sweet of you to do, thanks :o)Kath
What a great giveaway! I’d love to use the food processor to grind walnuts, peanuts, and almonds for baking.
What a great giveaway! I’d love to use the food processor to grind walnuts, peanuts, and almonds for baking.
I would use it to make baby food. mollyanne612@gmail.com
I would use it to make baby food. mollyanne612@gmail.com
Oh wow, lovely giveaway!My mom likes to bake, and she has been wanting this forever =)katch05(at)gmail(dot)com
Oh wow, lovely giveaway!My mom likes to bake, and she has been wanting this forever =)katch05(at)gmail(dot)com
I love your blog Rebecca….and I want a food processor š Throwing my name into the hat!P.S. your invites are fabulos!
I love your blog Rebecca….and I want a food processor š Throwing my name into the hat!P.S. your invites are fabulos!