Ingredients:* 8 ounces brick high quality cream cheese* 1/4 cup sugar* 1 teaspoon pure vanilla* Pecans – generous amount to your tasteDirections:Put softened cream cheese in mixer or bowl with ...

Speed up the cream cheese softening process by microwaving for 15 seconds and stirring. Microwave another 15 seconds if needed and stir until softened at room temperature.

Cheryl Slocum is a James Beard Award-winning food writer, editor, and recipe developer. She has spent over 16 years creating food and entertaining content that resonates with the home cook.

I started with the bagel and cream cheese. Eventually, a few years in, I worked my way up to the lox. I didn’t grow up eating much fish, so it took me some time to appreciate the deeply salty ...