Cherry and Pecan Cream Cheese Spread

Ingredients

• 1 cup dried sour cherries
• 1 cup water
• two 8-ounce packages cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup chopped toasted pecans
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated lime zest
• scones or crackers as accompaniments

Directions

In a small heavy saucepan simmer cherries in water until liquid is reduced to about 1 tablespoon. Remove pan from heat and cool mixture. In a bowl whisk together cream cheese, pecans, lime juice, zest, cherry mixture, and salt and pepper to taste until spread is combined well. Spread may be made 2 days ahead and kept chilled, covered. Serve spread with scenes or crackers.