Green Tea Dip And Spread

[Guest guest]

GREEN TEA DIP AND SPREAD

 

The following mixture can be used as a dip or spread.

Yield: 18 tablespoons

 

INGREDIENTS

- 3 green tea bags

- 1 cup reduced-fat cream cheese

   or ricotta cheese (at room temperature)

- 2 Tbsp. finely-minced fresh chives or basil leaves

 

DIRECTIONS

Place tea bags in a heat-proof glass or ceramic container that holds

more than 1 cup. Bring 1 cup of water to just below the boiling point,

remove from heat immediately and pour over tea bags. (Water that has

come to a boil should first be cooled about 1 minute before using.)

Allow the tea to steep 3 to 5 minutes.

 

Remove tea bags, squeeze out liquid and discard. Cool tea to room

temperature. If not using immediately, refrigerate (covered) until ready

to use. (Allow refrigerated tea to come to room temperature before

using.)

 

Place cheese and minced herb in a blender and mix on medium-high speed

to incorporate herbs into the cheese and produce a smooth mixture.

 

Gradually add small amounts of the tea concentrate until the mixture is

as spreadable as desired. (Remaining concentrate can be diluted and

reheated to make iced or hot tea for drinking or refrigerate until ready

to use again.)

 

Transfer the mixture to a covered container and refrigerate for at least

an hour to allow flavors to meld. Bring mixture back to room temperature

before using, either as a spread for toast at breakfast; a spread for

crackers, sandwiches, or wraps; or as a dip for vegetable crudités or

toasted tortilla chips.

 

Nutritional Information Per Serving:

31 calories,

2 g. total fat (1 g. saturated fat),

1 g. carbohydrate,

1 g. protein,

0 g. dietary fiber,

39 mg. sodium

Diabetic Exchanges: 1 Reduced-Fat Milk