A gift of this Spicy Cheese Spread with crispy Pita Chips will surely be appreciated during the holiday party season.

Spicy Cheese Spread with Pita Chips

Spicy Cheese Spread:

1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened

1 tablespoon milk

1 clove garlic, finely minced

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 teaspoon chili powder

1/8 teaspoon ground cumin

Paprika

 

Pita Chips:

4 large pita bread rounds

1/3 cup butter or margarine, melted

1/8 teaspoon dried oregano

1/8 teaspoon chili powder

1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper (cayenne)

1. For Spicy Cheese Spread: Combine first 6 ingredients, mixing well.
2. Spoon into 2 (1/2 cup) containers and sprinkle with paprika. cover and chill at least 8 hours.
3. Give with pita chips.
4. Pita Chips: Separate each bread round into 2 pieces; cut each piece into 8 edges. Place in a large heavy duty zip-top plastic bag.
5. Combine butter and remaining ingredients and drizzle over pita wedges. Seal bag and shake to coat well.
6. Place wedges in a single layer on an ungreased baking sheets.
7. Bake at 300°F (150°C) for 30 minutes or until crisp.
8. Cool completely and divide in half. Store in airtight containers.

Makes 2 (1/2 cup) cheese spread gift containers and 2 (32-chip) gift bags.

DIRECTIONS FOR GIFT CARD: Store Spicy Cheese Spread in refrigerator up to 1 week; serve with Pita Chips.

Adapted from a recipe from Southern Living.