Appetizer: United States – North Dakota (Great Plains United States) – Chokecherry Cheese Spread

Serving Size: 8

Approximate Time

Prep 15 min

Cook 0 min

Additional 30 min

Total 45 min

Ingredients

- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) chokecherry jelly or chokecherry syrup
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) sour cream
- 1 tsp (5 ml) fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp (12 g) fresh chives, finely chopped, plus extra for garnish
- 1/4 cup (35 g) toasted sunflower seeds, roughly chopped
- 1/4 tsp (1.5 g) coarse salt
- 1/4 tsp (0.5 g) freshly ground black pepper
- 1–2 tbsp (15–30 ml) extra chokecherry jelly or syrup for glazing (optional)
- Crackers and sliced country bread (rye or sourdough) for serving

Instructions

Short Description:
A creamy, sweet-and-tangy spread combining softened cream cheese with regional chokecherry jelly or syrup, brightened with lemon and chives and finished with toasted sunflower seeds. Traditionally served with crackers or slices of country bread as a starter or snack.

Regional Notes:
This North Dakota/Great Plains version highlights locally foraged chokecherries (often preserved as syrup or jelly) blended simply with cream cheese to create the characteristic sweet-tart profile. Toasted sunflower seeds are used for a Prairie touch rather than subtropical nuts, and the spread is typically chilled briefly to let flavors meld before serving.

1. In a medium bowl, place the softened cream cheese and beat with a hand mixer or sturdy spoon until smooth and creamy.
2. Add the chokecherry jelly or syrup, sour cream, and lemon juice to the cream cheese. Beat or stir until fully combined and smooth, tasting and adjusting lemon or jelly for desired sweet-tart balance.
3. Fold in the chopped chives, toasted sunflower seeds, salt, and pepper with a rubber spatula until evenly distributed.
4. Transfer the mixture to a shallow serving bowl or mound it on a small platter. Smooth the top with the back of a spoon.
5. If using the optional glaze, warm 1–2 tablespoons of extra chokecherry jelly or syrup briefly (10–15 seconds) in the microwave until pourable, then drizzle or spread lightly over the top. Sprinkle additional chopped chives and a few whole toasted sunflower seeds for garnish.
6. Chill the spread in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (up to 2 hours) to let flavors meld and firm slightly.
7. Serve chilled or at cool room temperature with crackers and sliced country bread for spreading.