Okay, is it just my family or is everyone surviving the holiday season on eating out, appetizers and sweets? It seems to be a theme at our house right now. Between Christmas concerts, parties, meetings, classes and other things it is crazy busy. But, I keep adding more to our schedule because I don’t want to miss anything fun!

We are having appetizers for dinner lately. Which has been kind of fun. I cut up some vegetables (peppers, carrots, cucumbers, celery and broccoli) and add some whole wheat crackers to a platter. Then I  make an appetizer. We usually have enough leftovers for 2-3 days so we are kind of stacking them up for dinner. Leftover Meatball Mozzarella Bites and Hot Crab Dip tonight. Tomorrow will be leftovers of those and one new appetizer.

Hot Crab Dip is easy to make and can be varied in how spicy you like it too. Now, remember the quality of the crab you use will affect the flavor of the dish. Fake crab is fine for you and your family. We like it and it works okay. Want to ramp it up a bit for a bigger party go for the canned crab meat. A little bit more expensive but a better flavor. Then, if you want to make it fancy and simple divine tasting? Go for the real blue crab meat, if you can, at your local seafood store. This is expensive, but so worth the extra splurge once in a while.

Verdict:

We went with the fake crab meat for dinner tonight. Next time I am even thinking of throwing in some chopped shrimp to liven it up. My son wanted his a bit more spicy but my daughter thought it was perfect. Taste and adjust the spiciness according to what you like!

Ingredients:

• 8 oz. crab meat, free of shells if using fresh
• 8 oz. cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese
• 3 scallions/green onions sliced – white and green parts
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1-2 teaspoons hot sauce
• 1 teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning
• black pepper, to taste
• sharp white cheddar cheese

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a casserole dish with non-stick spray.
2. Beat together cream cheese and mayonnaise until smooth.
3. Gently stir in rest of ingredients, EXCEPT cheddar cheese, until well combined.
4. Spread dip into casserole dish and then sprinkle with cheddar cheese. Your decisions on how much to use!
5. Bake for 35-40 minutes until the top starts to turn golden brown.
6. Remove from oven and serve hot with extra hot sauce on the side for those that want a bit more spice.