| Prep: 25 mins | Cook: None | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 200 | 16g | 8g | 15g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 10g | 2g | 4g | 0.40g |
There’s something incredibly special about the Monstera Deliciosa Fruit and Cream Cheese Spread. It’s not just a recipe, it’s a painting of flavours on the canvas of your palate. A recipe that echoes family gatherings at my grandparents’ home in Ireland, the scent of ripe Monstera Deliciosa fruits blending seamlessly with the rich and creamy cheese spread. It may not be the conventional New England seafood or Irish comfort food that I typically create, but it’s a delicious fusion of my life in Boston with tropical notes borrowed from significantly different climates.
A Burst of Tropical Goodness
Each mouthful of the Monstera Deliciosa Fruit and Cream Cheese Spread brings a splash of tropical delight. The Monstera Deliciosa, also known as the “Swiss cheese” fruit, lends its distinctive flavor to this recipe. An exotic fruit native to the rainforests of Central America, it’s a somewhat offbeat, vibrant addition to my rather traditional kitchen in Boston. This unique fruit offers not just a complex, exciting taste but also packs a host of nutritional benefits, including high fibre and vitamin C content.
Pairs Perfectly With…
This rich and creamy spread is a chameleon that blends with a multitude of dishes. It works perfectly as a decadent dip for freshly sliced apples, pears, or your choice of in-season fruits, an elaborate sandwich spread, or even a filling for your favourite pastries. If you’re feeling adventurous, try it on a classic toast and cream cheese pedicel or fresh bagels in the morning.
My fiancé Laura, a culinary enthusiast herself, often suggests to our friends that they pair this spread with freshly baked scones or cranberry muffins – it’s a surefire way to kickstart a lazy weekend brunch. No doubt, our little boy will soon grow to love these family cook-outs as well.
Healthy Indulgence
I’m a big believer in the alchemy of flavors without forgetting the importance of mindful eating. The cream cheese lends a magnificently rich and smooth texture to this spread, but look further and you will find that it’s a valuable source of protein. We also use granulated sugar and agave nectar sparingly. Both ingredients are natural sweeteners, leading to an exquisite, guilt-free treat.
Whether you’re organizing a party at home or looking to pamper your taste buds with something different, this exotic Monstera Deliciosa Fruit and Cream Cheese Spread never fails to impress. Blending the taste of different continents, it’s a delightful reminder of my culinary journey, from Ireland’s comfort foods to Boston’s love for seafood, and beyond.
What You’ll Need
- 2 ripe Monstera Deliciosa fruits
- 8 ounces of cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup of granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon of lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon of kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon of agave nectar
- 1/2 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract
- Zest of 1/2 a lemon
- Fresh mint leaves, for garnish
Method
Step One
Start by softening the cream cheese. It should be at room temperature to ensure it mixes well with the other ingredients. You can leave it out of the refrigerator for a few hours, or if you’re in a rush, cut it into small chunks and soften it in the microwave for about 15 seconds.
Step Two
Next, prepare the Monstera Deliciosa fruits. These tropical fruits need to be fully ripe before they’re eaten. If they aren’t, they can be highly irritating to the mouth and throat due to the presence of calcium oxalate crystals. To prepare, cut off the end of the fruit and peel off the green scales to reveal the creamy, pineapple-banana like flesh inside.
Step Three
Take your softened cream cheese and put it into a bowl. Add in your granulated sugar, lemon juice, kosher salt, agave nectar, vanilla extract, and lemon zest. Mix together until the ingredients are well incorporated and the cream cheese spread is smooth.
Step Four
Now, add in the cut Monstera Deliciosa fruit and fold into the cream cheese mixture. Be gentle to keep some of the fruit pieces intact.
Step Five
At this point, you can taste your cream cheese spread. If you want it to be sweeter, add a little more sugar, agave nectar, or vanilla extract. If you want a more tangy spread, add more lemon juice and zest.
Step Six
Chill your Monstera Deliciosa fruit and cream cheese spread in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together and the spread to firm up.
Step Seven
To serve, spread on your favorite bread or crackers, or serve as a dip with fruit slices. Garnish with fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and freshness. Enjoy the delicious taste of the tropics!
