3 Kicked Up Schmeers

Ingredients

California:

• 12 ounces goat cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup drained and chopped oil-cured sun-dried tomatoes
• 1/4 cup black olives, pitted and chopped
• 1/2 cup lightly toasted pine nuts
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped sweet onions, such as Vidalia or Maui
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
• 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Directions

In a bowl, cream the goat cheese with a rubber spatula. Add the remaining ingredients and mix well to combine. Adjust seasoning, to taste, and serve with warm bagels.

Upper West Side:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 tablespoon sour cream
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
• Pinch salt
• Pinch cayenne
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped chives
• 2 ounces smoked salmon, roughly chopped

In a bowl, cream together the cream cheese, sour cream, lemon juice, salt, and cayenne with a rubber spatula. Fold in the chives and mix well. Fold in the salmon and mix well. Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Yield: about 1 1/2 cups

Strawberry:

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, or to taste
• 1 tablespoon sour cream
• 2 teaspoons orange liqueur
• 1/2 cup roughly chopped strawberries, drained

In a bowl, cream together the cream cheese, sugar, sour cream, and Grand Marnier until smooth. Fold in the strawberries. Serve immediately, or cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Yield: about 1 1/2 cups