Olive Rosemary Cream Cheese Spread

Author Notes

This recipe is inspired by the “bread service” at Zaftigs Delicatessen, one of my favorite restaurants in Brookline, MA. Now that I can no longer drop by to have this treat, I had to come up with a similar version that I can whip up when the craving strikes.

I’m guessing that this dish began as a way to used up day-old bagels while providing a little nibble for guests while they wait for their meal. To go alongside the homemade bagel chips, Zaftigs serves an herbed cream cheese. The flavor is subtle, not something that hits your tastebuds hard – a little woodsiness from the rosemary, a faint briny bite from the olives. Nothing in this spread overpowers your tastebuds but it gets you ready for the main meal to come. —She's Almost Always Hungry