Welcome Autumn Guests with a Caramel Cream Cheese Spread

One of the most magical things that happen during the Autumn are unexpected guests. People have settled into their cold weather routines. Children have returned to their studies and families tend to say closer to home.

I can remember as a young girl all the “drop in” visits we had with family friends. Be it they drop by or we drop by. No special reason except to visit, to catch up on all the summer activities and exchange ideas for the upcoming holidays. People were prepared for these unexpected but always invited guests. It seemed there were always bowls of candied nuts on the sofa end tables. Women would disappear into the kitchen and presto something magically delicious appeared.

I miss the face-to-face interactions people once had. I miss gathering around a piano and singing a few well-known songs. I miss the warmth of people. We live in such a fast paced detached society. I let it be known to everyone I meet that my door is always open. Dropping by is never an intrusion.

In no time at all this beautiful Autumn Spread can grace your coffee table. People can gather and chat and never feel for a moment that you have gone out of your way to welcome them. Simple life is the most rewarding of all.

Caramel Cream Cheese Spread
3 Apples
3 Pears
1 can 7-Up or other Lemon-Lime Soda
8 oz Cream Cheese, softened
2/3 cup Caramel Sauce
1/2 cup Toffee Bits

Core and slice fruits. Place in a bowl or rimmed dish. Pour soda over the sliced fruits and let sit until ready to serve. The soda will prevent the fruit slices from browning.

Place softened cream cheese in the center of a serving platter. Using the back of a spoon, press out a shallow well to hold the caramel sauce. Pour sauce over the cheese, filling the well while allowing some sauce to run out onto the serving platter. Sprinkle with Toffee Bits.

When ready to serve, place fruit slices on a paper towel and blot to remove excess soda.

Arrange fruit around the cream cheese spread. Serve with a cheese spreader or dip slices directly into the dip. Just remember, no double dipping!

Author: Rosemarie's Kitchen

I'm a wife, mother, grandmother and avid home cook.I believe in eating healthy whenever possible, while still managing to indulge in life's pleasures. View all posts by Rosemarie's Kitchen