La Cocina de Don Lorenzo

Saffron caraway spread

This is something I came up with for a dinner party. It is very easy to make and delicious on breads or crackers. I like it on pumpernickel bread.

1 package (8 ounces) neufchatel cheese. If you can’t find this, you can use cream cheese
2 tbsp unsalted butter
¼ cup olive oil
1 pinch saffron
3 tbsp dry white wine
1 tbsp caraway seeds
1 tbsp sesame seeds

1. Set the cheese and butter out and let them come up to room temperature, perhaps an hour or two.
2. Bloom the saffron by crushing the threads between your fingers then placing in the white wine. Microwave it 30 seconds or so until coffee – hot. Set it aside.
3. In a pilón (mortar) crush the caraway and sesame seeds. Don’t over-do it. We don’t want a paste, just to crack open the pods to release the flavor.
4. Mix all ingredients together in a small bowl until you get a creamy uniform consistency. Salt to taste, if necessary.
5. Chill slightly (to champagne temperature) and serve