A Year-Round Guide to Franklin and Nantahala

Yield: 2 cups. 4 ounces cream cheese, softened 4 tablespoons mayonnaise 2 teaspoons dill pickle juice 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard ½ teaspoon garlic powder ½ teaspoon onion powder 1 celery

Rosemary and Goat Cheese Strata

Yield: 2 cups. 4 ounces cream cheese, softened 4 tablespoons mayonnaise 2 teaspoons dill pickle juice 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard ½ teaspoon garlic powder ½ teaspoon onion powder 1 celery

Savory Cream Cheese Cracker Spread

Yield: 2 cups.

4 ounces cream cheese, softened
4 tablespoons mayonnaise
2 teaspoons dill pickle juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
1 celery stalk, diced
1 small carrot, peeled and diced
¼ red bell pepper, cored and diced
¼ green bell pepper, cored and diced
6 green olives, pitted and diced
2 green onions, thinly sliced
Salt and pepper to taste

In a medium bowl, stir together cream cheese, mayonnaise, pickle juice, mustard, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix until well blended.

Stir in all the vegetables until well incorporated. Salt and pepper to taste. Serve on your favorite crackers. Spread may be refrigerated for up to 3 weeks.

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This story was published on Feb 18, 2025

Lynn Wells

Lynn Wells gained a fond respect and interest in cooking from her mother and Aunt Addie at the age of 8 in North Carolina. During college, Wells worked in a wide range of restaurants, from fine dining to family- owned. After graduating from UNC Greensboro with a degree in nutrition management and hospitality, Wells began a 21-year career in the nutrition department at Cone Health. In 2014, Wells started Thyme Well Spent Personal Chef Service, an in-home cooking experience for private clients, which continues today. Wells is also a food writer, food stylist, culinary consultant, and the recipe developer/writer for Our State.