1. Start by softening the cream cheese. If you forgot to take it out of the fridge ahead of time (been there, done that!), microwave it in 10-second bursts until just soft but not melted.
2. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, pepper jelly, lemon juice, and garlic powder.
3. Using a hand mixer or a sturdy spoon, mix everything together until smooth and fully combined. The mixture should be creamy with little streaks of red from the jelly.
4. Taste your spread and add freshly ground black pepper to your liking. If you want a little more zing, add an extra teaspoon of pepper jelly.
5. Transfer the mixture to a serving bowl or shape it into a neat ball or log on a plate for a more elegant presentation.
6. Garnish with chopped fresh chives, parsley, or a sprinkle of crushed nuts if you like a bit of crunch.
7. Serve immediately with crackers, toasted baguette slices, or fresh vegetable sticks.

One tip from my kitchen: I like to make this a little ahead of time and let it chill in the fridge for 30 minutes to an hour. It helps the flavors meld together beautifully. Plus, it frees you up to focus on other things, like wrangling the kids or setting the table without a last-minute scramble.