Wash cranberries and hand chop in half (or smaller pieces if you desire) Hand chopping is more time consuming, but is recommended over a chopping device or blender to better keep the structure of the berries without accidentally juicing them.)

Chop cilantro, jalapenos and green onion

In a large bowl, combine cranberries, jalapenos, cilantro, green onions, salt, sugar and lemon juice and stir until blended

Cover cranberry mixture and store in refrigerator overnight

When you're ready to start preparing the dip, remove berry mixture from refrigerator, stir and drain off excess juices that collect in the bottom.

Using a hand mixer, whip softened cream cheese until smooth and easily spreadable.

Spread cream cheese into the bottom of a pie dish and top with berry mixture

Garnish with bacon bits, extra chopped onions and fresh cilantro

Serve with Ritz crackers

Enjoy!