Each morning I wake up and for about 2.3 seconds, I think it’s time to get my kids up and ready for the bus. But, then I take a breath and realize that, sadly, those days are long gone. I am struggling (like everyone else) to find a new routine, to find a rhythm, to motivate my kids to get out of bed, to change out of their pajamas and start their “school work”. Despite the stress that I am feeling, I know it could be worse, I count myself and my family among the lucky ones. No one in our close circle of family and friends has been diagnosed with COVID-19 and we have many things to feel grateful for: my husband and I are still able to work from home, my kids are happy, we have toilet paper, and we are spending a lot more time in the kitchen together (one of my very favorite places to be with my very favorite people). Last week, we came up with this cheesy spread and it was a hit. I hope you find some time to make it with your family and serve it this weekend. It goes great with Onesto Everything Crackers (shameless plug) and is also dynamite lunch or dinner when spread on a piece of thick bread, broiled in the oven and served with a big salad or along a bowl of soup.

Stay safe, take care of yourselves and remember to spread LOVE.

With love,

Jane

SPICY THREE-CHEESE SPREAD

• 1 x 8 ounce pack of cream cheese (room temperature)

• 2 tsp dijon mustard

• 1/2 tsp kosher salt (or to taste)

• about 5-6 cranks of ground black pepper

• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

• 4-5 dashes of your favorite hot sauce (more if you like it really spicy)

• 1/4 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese

• 2 heaping TBSP graded Parmigiano-Regianno cheese

• 2 TBSP minced scallions

• 2 tsp minced fresh parsley (or cilantro)

• 1 tsp freshly squeezed lemon juice

1. Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and mix will using a large spoon, don’t over mix and end up whipping the ingredients.

2. Taste, and add more seasoning if you like, this recipe is very forgiving!

3. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.

This spread is great with crackers, thickly cut veggies, pretzels and chunks of bread.

Enjoy!