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Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Caribbean CHEESY CRAB DIP to go with yesterday's Crackers



I made crackers yesterday!  Really, I did (click HERE to see that post).  I used a recipe from "The Bread Baker's Apprentice: Mastering the Art of Extraordinary Bread" book, and it was very easy and more importantly, incredibly tasty.  So tasty I decided to make another batch last night, but also a Caribbean cheesy crab dip to go along with them.


I did a little research (OK, I Googled).  I found a recipe I liked, and then pondered what I could do to it to make it more to my taste.  The basic recipe called for Cream Cheese, Crab meat and dry Mustard, rolled into a ball and presented as a cheese ball.  I wanted a dip, and a bit more cheese.  So, I added Mayo to make it more dip-able.  I also added some pineapple to make it a tad more Caribbean, as well as sweetening the final product.


Here's what I did...


8 ounces Cream Cheese
1/2 cup Mayonnaise
1 1/2 cups Cheddar Cheese
1 small sweet Onion, minced
1 tsp dry Mustard
1 tsp Sweet Paprika
1 tsp dried parsley
8 ounces Crab Meat
4 ounces crushed pineapple (from a can, I included the juice in the can as well)


Mixed everything together, tasting as I went.


This is a quick, short post for me, but it turned out spectacular.  A wonderful dip, matched well with the different crackers I made.  I made a special dessert (come back tomorrow for my Caribbean Carrot Cake), so Jackie and I made this dip our supper.


The Crab Meat was a bit pricey ($8 for 1/2 a pound), that made the recipe over $10.  But it makes quite a bit, and we will have this around for a few days.  You could use the imitation crab, lobster or even shrimp with this and still have a great dip.  I think the pineapple (and the juice) really made a big difference in this dip.  I think it paired really well with the "spicy" Garlic/onion flakes and Chipotle spiced crackers I made yesterday.


Jackie liked the Sesame Seed and Seas Salt crackers better, but she also loved the dip.




Just for aesthetics, I think I added a bit too much paprika at the end.  The final product came out a bit orange.  I like the look of the work in progress dip in the first photo with just a pinch of paprika.


But, no difference in the taste...


Give the crackers a try... and give this dip a try... Both are winners!  Live the island life!

19 comments:

  1. Orange is a very good thing in Tennessee, you could serve that at some TN Vols parties and people would love it!!

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  2. The crackers and the cheese dip both look wonderful. I am definitely trying your cracker recipe - it is brilliant!

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  3. This dip sounds really good. Another one bookmarked.

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  4. I love crab dips of any sort - the addition of pineapple sounds great!

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  5. Sorry Dave, but I don't like crab dip! If I did, I'm sure this one would be excellent! The crackers however, I would definitely try! :)

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  6. by looking at all ingredients you use, I know this must be very yummy!

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  7. Crab dip is a household favorite. I will have to try your take on it, looks delicious. I am also inspired by you making bread with out the kitchen aid. We don't have one and use that excuse not to make it. I have no excuse now. I have to try these crackers.

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  8. I've never tried homemade crackers and this sounds great! Haven't met one I didn't like. It all looks delicious!

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  9. I like crab in a dip, but cheddar cheese isn't one of the pairings I would choose..the creamier cheeses- maybe...

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  10. I've been meaning to try crab again since I've started liking fish. I'll have to give it a shot like this, I already know I like everything else. Heh.

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  11. I imagine you're totally diggin' all of the local seafood. I love crab dip, interesting that you added crushed pineapples.

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  12. Oh, my gosh, but this looks good. Re: the flans - half the recipe makes 4 6-oz. servings.
    Dave, I love crab and your dip sounds like a real treat.

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  13. You are freakin’ amazing…you MADE crackers. That is so cool. The crab sounds good. We have had trouble getting crab around these parts lately. Makes me sad. I’ll enjoy the dish vicariously through your blog :-)

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  14. Sweet and salty? I am SO in. Looks delicious.

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  15. Amazing dip recipe. I can't have crab but the rest of the family will love this.

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  16. Looks amazing Dave! Really... and perfect for your homemade lavash! Yes, I could make it a meal... very rich... Soooo Yeah... thanks for the warning for tomorrow's post... I mean I'll come look, but thanks for not blindsidin me on that one! Can't wait to lick my screen! I mean see your carrot cake!
    Rainey

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  17. Okay, now I am really impressed. You are making your own crackers!

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  18. Very cool that you made your own crackers...I've been thinking about doing that myself. Love this dip! Looks and sounds amazing and just like something that I would love!

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  19. Dammit, Pam beat me too it right off the start.

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