Okay, YUM!

No scolding from any of you about posting a yummy, delicious, rich and tasty cheese spread, okay?

It all started as I was straightening out the pantry and came across a jar of dates, at about the same time my husband was eating a couple of crackers. I remembered I had some goat cheese that needed to be used, and there were three strips of bacon left over from breakfast-for-dinner on Saturday.

I rustled up a couple more likely ingredients and voila! A great addition to the appetizer buffet, or pack it in a pretty jar, pair it with some fancy crackers and give it away.

If you can.

Goat Cheese Spread

• 1 8-oz. block cream cheese
• 4 oz. goat cheese
• 2 cloves garlic
• Six sun-dried tomatoes, packed in oil (or soak six sun-dried tomato pieces in oil for about 30 minutes)
• Six to eight dates
• Three strips bacon, cooked until crisp
• 1 Tblsp. chopped parsley
• 1/2 tsp. salt

In a food processor, pulse the dates, bacon and sun-dried tomatoes until finely chopped. Add garlic and process for 30 seconds. Add cheeses, parsley and salt and whirl until all ingredients are thoroughly combined. Spread on crackers or crostini.