CREAM CHEESE SUPREME

Cream cheese is easy to embellish with diced vegetables and herbs, fruit and honey, or nuts and maple syrup. It's then ready to spread on a bagel or add to a veggie pita. Here, for banana-lovers, the cream cheese gets the works.

MIX TOGETHER:
8 ounces cream cheese, brought to room temperature
1 mashed banana
1 teaspoon lemon juice
3 tablespoons raisins or other dried fruit, chopped
1/4 cup toasted walnuts, chopped, or 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1 cucumber, peeled and diced
1/2 cup chopped fresh spinach