Mocha Chip Cream Cheese

One of my favorite cream cheeses comes from a little Jewish bagel shop in Newton. Even though I don't live that far from the shop, it's hard to get to and so I rarely get their cream cheese or bagels. I decided to try and create my own version of their Mocha Chip Cream Cheese. I think it's a pretty good substitute and is fantastic on chocolate chip bagels (Panera's are really good).

1 brick of softened cream cheese

1-2 tbs cocoa powder*

1-2 tsp espresso powder*

3-4 tbs creme de cacao*

1/2 bag mini chocolate chips*

You should taste test your cream cheese as you go, increase the amount of an ingredient to match your flavor preferences.

*= to taste. To taste means based on your preferences, what works for me might not work for you.

Add all of your ingredients, except the chocolate chips, to a mixing bowl. I like to use a hand blender to make sure everything is mixed well, but this can be a pain if the cheese isn't soft enough. Increase ingredients as you go to get the flavor profile you like best.

Mix in chocolate chips.

Spread your cream cheese on your favorite bagel or other food items. Keep refrigerated and the cream should stay good for a week or two.