Blueberry-Coconut Cream Cheese Schmear

Blueberry-Coconut Cream Cheese Schmear

So, a few weeks ago, I found myself at a glamorous shin-dig being sponsored by the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council. One of my favorite people of all time, Ms. Erika (a woman I can say has showed me more kindness than I deserve and I will forever adore her for it) of In Erika's Kitchen, designed and cooked an entire Thanksgiving meal that included blueberries in every course. Needless to say, the food was divine, inspired and just plain delicious. 

I was coming from work that day and therefore a bit late. I tried my best not to be disruptive as I sneaked in. I eased myself in to a chair and found myself sitting next to three incredible blogger gals and interestingly, the two representatives from the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council. I like nothing more than having the experts at my elbow and these handsome gentlemen knew their stuff. I asked a zillion questions and they cheerfully indulged me with smart, witty and informative answers. (Go to their site any time. You'll see. Those people aren't just advocating eating blueberries, they are in the know and thrilled you might be as excited as they are.) 

As an avid gardener, consumer and freakishly obsessed blueberry lover, it was heaven. It was then they told me they were asking bloggers to post original recipes using blueberries. It was a no-brainer for me. I had to join in. (And yes, there is a cash prize at stake. What fun, right? Right!)

So, the next few posts include my recipes featuring blueberries, or as anyone in the know calls them Little Blue Dynamos. Super fruit, super delicious. I hope you like all of them. I really, really, really LOVED creating (and yes, eating them), and hope you do too. 

And now...a fun story...when I was in school, my boyfriend bought us a pet iguana that we named Jethro. Turns out that sweet little lizard (who would RUSH across the room to snatch blueberries out of my hand) was a picky eater. His scaly self lived on a diet of mesculun, tofu and blueberries. As a college student on a budget, I loved that I could justify buying quarts and quarts of those dusky blue gems under the auspices I was feeding them to my sweet green pet. Of course he only indulged in two or three a day, but me, I downed them like candy. Still do. Don't you? Yea...you do.

That shared, it's time for an intro to our recipe:

Oy, I do love a good bagel.  I came up with this to top it all off. It's sexy and fun and woweewow. You're gonna love it. Try it my peaches, and enjoy. xoxo

Serves 4 – 6

8 ounces cream cheese

1 cup blueberries, slightly mashed

¼ cup sweetened coconut flake

Combine all. Let rest 10 minutes for flavors to meld. Serve on plain bagels, or use as a base for your favorite cheesecake recipe.

Keeps, refrigerated for up to 4 days.

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This recipe was created as part of my tribute to blueberries, and as an entry in the "Blueberries Meet Their Match" contest, sponsored by the U.S. Highbush Blueberry Council. Check them out, here. I wonder if they would like my slogan ... "Blueberries, better than the best."  #littlebluedynamos

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© 2013 Rachael at "Fresh Approach Cooking" http://www.freshcatering.blogspot.com