Veggie Cream Cheese

     Oh boy! We made bagels again this weekend. In fact, we experimented with a new recipe we are trying to perfect. I'm sure it will make it's way here eventually. Today, though, I decided that if I were going to be eating bagels again, I'd make them "healthier".

     Of course this notion is comical. I still ate the bagel, that doesn't get any healthier (but it is worth every single calorie) and I still topped it with cream cheese. In my opinion a bagel can not reach it's full greatness without cream cheese. The cream cheese is where I decided to make my improvement. Veggie it would be!

     Veggie cream cheese is a great way to sneak some veggies into a place where they don't typically get to be. Naturally I prefer homemade. The pre-made veggie cream cheese tastes so artificial and processed. Not only does the cream cheese cease to taste like any sort of cream cheese, but none of the so-call vegetables actually resemble the vegetables they are alleged to be. I can't stand it. Really, how can a carrot be made to taste so funky and almost plastic?! Homemade is much less expensive too.

     I still buy the off-brand cream cheese. I will scoop out the desired amount and make only enough for that one sitting. I am the only one in the house usually who will eat it so I'll only make a couple of tablespoons at a time. Already this saves money, I don't have to waste a tub of pre-made because I don't eat it all, nor do I have to waste a bunch of veggies and cream cheese making a huge batch.

     I finely chopped (though you could use a grater instead) the small end of a peeled carrot, half a thin slice of red onion and large pinch of mixed spring greens. It really doesn't take much at all. After my ingredients were ready I added them to the bowl with my cream cheese and mixed it up.

     All done. Super simple, super cost effective and probably the best veggie cream cheese in the city (if I do say so myself). The best part is that I can vary my veggie cream cheese seasonally. When I have my summer garden in full swing I'll be able to make one with red and green peppers and onion, or chives and dill, or maybe even chili peppers and kale. The sky is the limit.

 

It was so delicious I let myself have two bagels (and an extra long workout)!

Simple City Sam