Restaurant Inspiration [Cranberry Walnut Sandwich Spread]

I've been missing Pensacola, Florida this week.  Especially now that its summertime!  I miss the pool parties, the food, the powder white sand on the gulf coast beaches, the food, volleyball at the bar, the food, and all the friends I made in the sunshine state panhandle.  I don't miss Four Loko.  That's one thing that can stay in Pensacola!  But that's a story for another day and a different blog...  Did I mention I miss the food? =)

Blackwater Bistro is military owned and operated and the go-to place for dinner on the weekends. They serve a fun spin on southern comfort foods and my favorite sandwich in-the-world! It's a buttery, flaky croissant topped with smoked turkey, crisp romaine, and the most amazing spread.  I was convinced it was a combo of cream cheese, cranberries, walnuts and cinnamon so, naturally, I had to re-create it at home to see if I was right.  Jackpot! <3

Cranberry-Walnut Sandwich Spread

[Two Ways!]

spread #1 

ingredients:

2 tablespoons of cream cheese or creamy goat cheese

2-4 TBSP crushed walnuts, unsalted

1/8 tsp of ground cinnamon

1/4 cup of Craisins or lightly sweetened dried cranberries, plus extra, to taste

spread #2 

ingredients:

4 ounces regular or neufchatel cream cheese 

4 TBSP leftover cranberry sauce [try this one]

2-3 TBSP chopped baking walnuts

1 TBSP honey [use a little... or a lot!]

1/8 tsp ground cinnamon

Brontosaurus Chefs Veganize by using vegan-friendly "cream cheese" spread.

T-Rex Chefs  The original had deli-sliced turkey - Feel free to layer it on!

Get Your Sandwich On!

Spread #1: Add your dried cranberries to hot water and soak for several minutes until softened.  Pat dry and add to cream cheese along with crushed walnuts and cinnamon.  Spread onto croissant and top with lots of crisp of romaine and refreshing cucumber to make the king of all tea sandwiches!  

Spread #2: Soften cream cheese to room temperature, then combine with a few heaping spoonfuls of leftover cranberry sauce.   Next fold in chopped walnuts [optional, but beyond delicious!] and a sprinkle of ground cinnamon.  Drizzle a tablespoon of honey into the mixture and stir. 

Rather not wait for the cream cheese to soften?  Break out your food processor and whip the cream cheese, walnuts, cinnamon and honey to perfection before adding your sauce.  Just be sure to unplug the food processor before trying to lick it clean.

Or grab some turkey and have at it!

T-Rex Chef Sandwich

So... How was it? 

Just like the original... only with more veggies and at a fraction of the price!  I have a feeling this will be my summer lunch again and again!  This spread is un. real.

Dear sandwich, I love you. Marry me?