Sesame Baked Cream Cheese

This is a delicious and SIMPLE appetizer. You probably have all of the ingredients on hand. I buy my sesame seeds in the spice aisle, then toast them myself--just put them in a dry pan over medium heat--toss the pan frequently and you'll hear the seeds pop around and they will turn a nice golden brown. If you have extra toasted seeds, store them in the pantry in an air tight container.

Sesame Baked Cream Cheese

Cream cheese (can use Neufchatel)

Soy Sauce

Toasted Sesame Seeds

Place brick(s) of cream cheese in a shallow dish. Cover with soy sauce. Cover dish and refrigerate two hours to overnight. The longer it marinates, the more intense the flavor.

Spread sesame seeds in a shallow dish or pie plate. Remove cream cheese from soy sauce and roll in sesame seeds to coat.

Bake in a preheated 275 degree oven for 30-40 minutes.

Serve with crackers.

The first time I made this, the cyclist looked at me like I had no business being in the kitchen...and then he tried it. The salty-toasty-creamy combination is fantastic.