Roasted Garlic Spread with Three Cheeses

Cream cheese, goat cheese and blue cheese add zip to this distinctive spread that's packed with antioxidant-rich garlic. Studies show eating garlic may actually lower cholesterol and blood pressure.

Ingredients

• 2 medium heads garlic
• 2 packages (8 ounces each) fat-free cream cheese, softened
• 1 package (3-1/2 ounces) goat cheese
• 2 tablespoons (1 ounce) crumbled blue cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
• Assorted sliced fresh vegetables
• Fresh thyme and red bell pepper, for garnish (optional)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Cut tops off garlic heads to expose tops of cloves. Place garlic in small baking pan; bake 45 minutes or until very tender. Remove from pan; cool completely. Squeeze garlic into small bowl; mash with fork.
2. Beat cream cheese and goat cheese in small bowl until smooth; stir in blue cheese, garlic and thyme. Cover; refrigerate 3 hours or overnight.
3. Spoon dip into serving bowl; serve with cucumbers, radishes, carrots and yellow bell peppers. Garnish with fresh thyme and red bell pepper, if desired. Makes 21 servings.

Nutrition per Serving:

(Serving size = 2 tablespoons spread)

• Calories = 37
• Total fat = 1 g
• Saturated fat = < 1 g
• Carbohydrate = 2 g
• Protein = 4 g
• Fiber = < 1 g
• Cholesterol = 9 mg
• Sodium = 157 mg

Dietary Exchanges:

• Meat = ½

Source: www.diabeticcooking.com