Food Friday: Easy, Pretty, Special Recipe for Festive Appetizer Spread

I've made this easy recipe many times.

Simple, yet Special! And very pretty on your table!

photo courtesy Taste of Home

Festive Appetizer Spread
Yield:  about 3 cups
Ingredients:
1 cup water
1 cup sugar
1 pkg (12 oz) fresh or frozen cranberries
1/2 cup apricot preserves
2 Tbsp lemon juice
1/3 cup slivered almonds; toasted
1 pkg (8 oz) cream cheese
Assorted crackers


Directions:
In a saucepan over medium heat, bring water and sugar to a boil wihout stirring; boil for 5 minutes.  Add cranberries; cook until berries pop and sauce is thickened, about 10 minutes.  Remove from the heat.  Cut apricots in the preserves into small pieces; add to cranberry mixture.  Stir in lemon juice.  Cool.  Add almonds.  Spoon over cream cheese; serve with crackers.  Store leftovers in the refrigerator.  Editor's note:  the sauce may also be served as an accompaniment to poultry or pork.
Enjoy!