My mother-in-law made us a book of family recipes. One is her mother’s recipe for cream cheese, olives and nuts sandwich spread.
That looks good, I’d think every time I saw the recipe, must make that. But I did so only recently. Oh, l regret those wasted years!
* My second time making it, I also added plain yoghurt, about half the amount of mayonnaise. That made it creamier with a little tangy taste. I didn’t add olive juice, as in Heloise’s recipe below. It might give the softer texture I was looking for.
Walnuts or pecans are best
Crushed walnuts or pecans are best. I only had sliced almonds first time I made it. My husband said it’s good but doesn’t taste like Grandma’s. Second time, with walnuts, he pronounced it as good as hers. Yes!
Googling cream cheese and olive spread
I googled it to see if anyone other than grandma Elizabeth had ever made this. Have they! Apparently, it’s part of Christmas and Thanksgiving and all special events in the United States, especially in the South. It’s good for everyday sandwiches but also can be dressed up as fancy as you like. In tea sandwiches, little pinwheels, on toast points, stuffed in or on vegetables.
I leave the last word on cream cheese and olive spread to Heloise, of Heloise’s Hints. She explains its joys and versatility ever so well. Thanks, Chipmunknits, for posting this treasure. I especially like the story of the neighbour hiding her container of it in the back of the fridge.
Yvonne
27 Nov 2019What strikes me about the piece by Heloise is the tone of practical frugality. So foreign to our times! Yet that was the world that even my parents grew up in.
Thanks for sharing: will give it a try. Turns out that this spread fits the newish trend of Keto (as long as it’s served on a slice of cuke or celery). But I’ll have it on crackers.
Dorothy
28 Nov 2019Hi Yvonne, there’s also the bit of “looney bird” indulgence along with that practical frugality that, I think, makes it especially lovely. I didn’t think of the Keto thing – but it would be wonderful on cucumber slices! I did find vegan recipes for it, made with soy alternatives. They sounded good too. Hope you enjoy it!