Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip

1 C sugar
1/4 C juice (juice of 1 orange)
3/4 C water
3 C cranberries, fresh or frozen
2 small jalapeno peppers, seeded and chopped
2 T orange zest
1 T grated ginger root
3 T cilantro, chopped
2-8 oz pkgs cream cheese, softened

Here's a dip that works perfectly during the holiday season...a cranberry salsa paired with cream cheese and served on crackers. Combine sugar, orange juice, and water in saucepan and bring to a boil. Add cranberries, jalapenos, orange zest, ginger, and cilantro. Return to a boil and then reduce heat to simmer for about eight minutes or until cranberries burst. Cool to room temperature and then chill until ready to serve. Spread a layer of cream cheese on serving platter and top with cranberry salsa. Sprinkle with additional chopped cilantro. Serve with a platter of crackers. Cranberry salsa can be prepared well ahead and stored in the fridge.