Fall Apple Dip

Recently, I reconnected with an old friend and she reminded me of this wonderful taffy apple dip her mom used to make for us when we were in high school. I have changed it up a bit to incorporate another fall flavor-maple-instead of the brown sugar and made it slightly less sweet, but also added a new dimension as a nod to my family's love of toffee.

Serve this wonderful dip with crisp, tart apples. Would be wonderful at a bridal or baby shower, game night, or church potluck. Or heck, serve at your fall cocktail party :)

FALL APPLE DIP (Sommerville Version)

8 oz. light cream cheese
1/4 cup pure maple syrup
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
1/3-1/2 cup chopped pecans (or walnuts)
1/3 cup Heath toffee chips
*About 2-3 tart apples, sliced (Granny Smith or Pink Lady are best, but Gala, Braeburn, or Fuji are good too)

Thaw cream cheese (or pop in the microwave for a minute or so). Gently fold all the other ingredients into the cream cheese. You can also use an electric mix to whip the cream cheese to make it more 'fluffy' and then fold in all the other ingredients.

*You can dip sliced apples in water and lemon juice to prevent browning. Or, as I recently discovered, toss them with a little orange juice.

Makes about 1.5-2 cups (depending on if you 'whip' it). Serves 4-6 people--if it makes it out of your kitchen.