Ingredients:

  • 8 oz (225g) block cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1 tsp (5g) smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp (2g) cayenne pepper
  • ¼ tsp (1g) garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp (15ml) honey
  • ¼ tsp (1.5g) fine sea salt
  • ¼ tsp (1g) cracked black pepper
  • 1 tbsp (15g) fresh chives, finely minced
  • 1 tsp (5ml) lemon juice

Instructions:

  1. Place the softened cream cheese in a mixing bowl. If not softened, microwave in 10-second bursts until it yields easily to a spatula without melting.
  2. Add the smoked paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir firmly with a spatula until the color is a consistent, vibrant orange.
  3. Fold in the honey and lemon juice. Using a hand mixer or vigorous whisking motion, beat the mixture for 60 seconds to introduce air for a light consistency.
  4. Gently stir in the minced chives by hand to keep the green flecks intact for visual contrast.