Soak cranberries

Cup of Yum
1. Add dried cranberries to a small mixing bowl. Pour hot water over the cranberries until they're just covered.
2. Let sit for 10-15 minutes to rehydrate a bit, then drain and pat dry with paper towels.

Make cranberry jalapeño mixture

1. Roughly chop the cranberries and add them to a medium sized mixing bowl. To that bowl, add the minced jalapeños, green onions, cilantro, granulated sugar, salt, lime juice, and apple cider vinegar.
2. Stir well, then cover and refrigerate for at least an hour (or up to overnight), to allow the flavors to really come together.

Mix cream cheese

1. To another mixing bowl, add the softened cream cheese, lemon juice, vanilla extract (if using), and powdered sugar.
2. Beat with a hand mixer (or stand mixer) until smooth and creamy. This can be done with a whisk, but it'll be an arm workout!

Assemble

1. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly on a serving platter or shallow dish.
2. Give the chilled cranberry mixture a good stir, then add to a mesh sieve or strainer and drain excess liquid.
3. Spoon the drained cranberry mixture over the cream cheese, spreading it into an even layer.

Serve

1. Serve immediately with crackers, baguette slices, crostini, pretzels, etc.