Pepper Jelly Appetizer

Have you ever had the opportunity to visit Amish country?  We live about 2 hours away from Shipshewana, Indiana where much of the community is Amish.  They are well known for their delicious foods, especially at the Rise and Roll Bakery.  I've been there a few times now, and each time, the store is packed with people.  Samples of their baked goods and canned goods are available to try and there is always a long line to purchase fresh baked donuts and breakfast foods.

The last time I was there was with Mike and his parents.  It was Mike's first time and he was impressed with all the food he could sample.  One of the things he tried was Peach Jalapeno Jelly.  It's similar to red pepper jelly, but much sweeter and with a bold aftertaste.  We ended up purchasing a jar to take home with us.

Superbowl Sunday night was spent on the couch, with a table full of food in front of us.  We had cheese quesadillas, chips and pickle dip, cheese and summer sausage, and this Peach Jalapeno Jelly Appetizer.  It's the most simple thing you can make and it tastes like you've been slaving for hours in the kitchen.  It's just a softened block of cream cheese topped with the pepper jelly and served on crackers.  So simple, and so delicious!

Pepper Jelly Appetizer

Serves at least 10

Ingredients:
1 (8 ounce) block of cream cheese
1 cup pepper jelly of your choice (red pepper jelly, peach jalapeno, etc)
crackers

1.  Place the block of cream cheese in the center of a serving dish.  Let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes until softened.

2.  Using the back of a spoon, gently spread out the cream cheese so it's about 1/2" thick.

3.  Pour the pepper jelly on top of the cream cheese.

Serve with crackers. 

Store any leftovers in the fridge.