Preserved Lemon, Honey, and Lavender Cream Cheese

Inspired by the poppy seed bagels from our hometown bagel slinger, Howdy Bagel, I played around with a sweet cream cheese recipe. It’s not too sweet though, since preserved lemons are a bit salty and savory. The honey helps mellow that out, and the lavender buds add a floral hit that you smell before you taste. The final result is a bit brash, an unapologetic journey through an early summer garden. 

Prep time: 5 minutes
Serves 1

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup (generous scoop) whipped cream cheese

• A quarter preserved lemon, minced, about 1 heaping tbsp

• 1 tsp honey

• 1 poppy seed bagel, sliced

• Buds from one lavender stem

• Violas, for garnish

In a small bowl, mash together the cream cheese, preserved lemon, and honey. Spread on a bagel slice and sprinkle with the lavender buds and violas, if using. Add the other bagel slice or enjoy as an open-face sandwich.