Czech Republic Comfort Food: Recipe for Radishy Cream Cheese Spread

Radishes pack powerful nutritional punches within their miniature frames.

• Protecting vision and boosting the immune system number among benefits provided in radishes by such phytochemical flavonoids as beta-carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin.
• A group of compounds called isothiocyanates is effective against certain cancers.

One-half cup serving of radishes -- equivalent to six thinly sliced radishes -- contains only 9 calories and 2 grams of carbs and supplies:

• 14 percent of the recommended daily amount (RDA) for super-vitamin C, and
• 4 percent of the RDA for fiber.

Czech cuisine has long appreciated the stellar attributes of radishes as attractive, delicious, and healthy root vegetables with versatility for cooked and raw consumption.

• Radishy Cream Cheese Spread (Pomazánka z ředkviček a sýra) testifies to the red globes' success as raw ingredients.

Ingredients for 15 servings

Serving size of 2 Tablespoons yields 15+ servings.

4 ounces (1 stick) butter, softened

8 ounces (1 package) cream cheese, softened

• preference: 1 tub (8 ounces) Philadelphia Cream Cheese Spread, Honey Nut Flavor or Garden Vegetable Flavor

1/4 teaspoon celery salt

1/4 cup finely chopped chives or scallions (green onions)

1/4 teaspoon paprika

1/4 teaspoon white pepper

12 radishes to make 1 cup finely sliced or shredded radishes

In medium mixing bowl, cream butter and cream cheese.

• Sprinkle seasonings (celery salt, chives/scallions, paprika, white pepper) and fold gently into mixture.
• Add radishes and mix well.

May be served immediately.

• Or, to allow flavors to blend fully, cover and refrigerate until chilled, about 1-2 hours.

Yield: Makes about 2 cups.

Traditionally Pomazánka z ředkviček a sýra is served with dark breads, such as rye. Nevertheless, as an adaptable comfort food, this spread goes well with all breads and rolls, as well as with bagels and crackers. This spread paints a pretty picture atop bruschetta.

Especially when the radishes are shredded, this spread makes an attractive, excellent garnish for hors d'oeuvres or a sublime dip.

My special thanks to talented artists and photographers/concerned organizations who make their fine images available on the internet.

radish cheese spread on country bread: Nancy Lee (nylee37), CC BY SA 2.0, via Flickr @ https://www.flickr.com/photos/16259357@N00/3840792992/

colorful assortment of fresh radishes: Jengod, CC BY SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons @ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Radish_3371103037_4ab07db0bf_o.jpg

Čerstvý, horký, houskový knedlík = fresh, hot bread dumplings: Pastorius, CC BY SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons @ https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:HorkyKnedlik.jpg