BAKED CRAB DIP, Super Powered Brain Food Dip and BAKED TORTILLAS!!

You MAY have been directed here as a result of watching the show, "Simply Talking" with hosts Betel Arnold and Lena Nascembeni . If so, thanks for watching, and a big THANK YOU to the awesome hosts for having me back. It's always a pleasure. We had fun making these things today. If you get to the end of this post and go "hey, where's the cute little acorn sweet treats?" Well, just mozey on over to my OTHER blog post on this site where I show how to make that. In fact, check them ALL out. You may find something else you want to make. 

Good Cook 9 Inch Ceramic Pie Plate, Red

As the holidays fast approach we think about having company more often, and also being invited as guests. 

Do you usually bring or serve the same appetizer every year? I have SO many recipes at my fingertips but there are a few that always get such good reviews, I end up making them by request, again..and again...and again.  This is one of those recipes. You'll be glad to know it is incredibly easy and you can even make it the day before, keep in the 'fridge and then bake just before you're ready.

This is not my original recipe , I believe in giving credit where it is due.  I found it years ago in a magazine advertisement for Louis Kemp imitation crab flakes. I have had that magazine page stuck in my favorite cookbook since then.

Elegance 5-1/2-Inch Stainless Steel Appetizer Spoons, Set Of 6

Baked Crab Dip 

2 pkgs. (8 oz. each) cream cheese, softened (reg. or light )
1 pkg. (8 oz.) Louis Kemp Crab Delights Flakes 
2 TBSP finely chopped onion
1 TBSP prepared horseradish (reg. or creamed style)
1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
6-8 drops of hot sauce

topping:
1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Paprika with a shaker top

Stir the cream cheese until softened. Blend in remaining ingredients except the nuts and paprika. Spread mixture into a lightly greased 9 inch glass pie plate. Top with chopped nuts (optional) and sprinkle generously with paprika.

Bake uncovered at 375 degrees F. for 25 minutes until lightly browned. 

Serve warm, on sturdy crackers or toasted baguette slices. 

Norpro 3 Piece Canape Bread Mold Set

You may stir this together up to 24 hrs. before baking. Cover tightly and refrigerate, then bake according to directions.

And, p.s.  - ANY brand of crab flakes will do. Grab whatever is on sale and pop extras in the freezer, you're gonna need them :) 

Another easy idea for an appetizer is Hummus, any flavor. By adding an equal amount of sour cream or even Greek Yogurt , you are doubling the Hummus volume into a creamy dip. I would recommend using a Hummus with a good strong flavor such as roasted red pepper or garlic, as the sour cream will lighten the overall flavor a bit.

No photo for this, I'm sorry. Imagine a container of Hummus...and....a container of sour cream. There, done.

Creative Home Espresso Stained Bamboo Chip-n-Dip Set

A great thing about this super healthy appetizer is that kids LOVE dip. Add some raw veggies or healthy chips (see below). You can name it anything you want, and for kids, something fun makes it even more enticing. Say, "Super Powers Action Hero Dip" or "Magical brain food". Whatever would appeal to the hungry child in front of you. 

If you say, however, "this, dear, is Hummus Dip. Hummus is made out of mashed up garbonzo beans ,or chic peas and it also has sour cream/yogurt. It's really really healthy so you need to have some."  Prepare for them to make a face (unless they are used to healthy food) and go "ick" and run away. The less you say, the better. This has been my parent tip for the day. You're welcome. :)

So what about a healthy chip for dipping ? IS there such a thing? Yes, Ma'am. Baked tortilla chips. Shown above are whole grain tortillas with guacamole. Buy a big package of the 7" round tortillas. You can go with basic white or for even more of a health kick, opt for the whole grain. There's even some colored ones with tomato and spinach, etc. Oooh, pretty!

Lay the tortilla on a cutting board or baking stone if you have one (LOVE LOVE LOVE my stoneware) and brush lightly with olive oil. Sprinkle to your liking with sea salt. The courser grains of the sea salt are a must for this. With a pizza cutter cut the round in half, and half again till you have 4 wedges. Then each of those get cut in half, like a pie . You will have 8 wedges. Separate them slightly from each other so they will bake evenly. 

Bake at 400 degrees for 8-10 minutes. WATCH THEM closely. Of the batches I've made, the white tortillas do well with 9 minutes. The whole grain take from 9-10 minutes tops to lightly brown. If they don't get slightly golden, they won't be crispy. All ovens vary slightly so again, watch them. It is a very sad thing to have them burn. Such a waste.

Remove from the oven and let them cool right on the pan or a rack.

Here are some other yummy options for the tortilla chips:

brush with flavored oils- garlic, herb infused,etc.

For even less fat, brush tortillas generously with fresh squeezed lime juice, then the sea salt. YUM!

Sprinkle with your choice of seasonings; garlic salt, chili pepper , crushed dried rosemary and crushed garlic..to name a few. Go wild and crazy. Try a different flavor on each round and ask for votes.

Rachael Ray Tools 2-Piece Silicone Pastry Brush Set, Blue

I would recommend making up a big batch, use all the racks in your oven at once and then once cooled, bag them up (HIDE them!) and have ready for healthy snacks. 

If you decide to make these or the crab dip, send me a comment on my Party Hostess Diva page on Facebook. I'd love to hear from you. Pictures are even better!

Making your life a little sweeter
and sometimes crunchier
and healthier,

Liz
the Party Hostess Diva
http://www.weddingcakeunder50.com

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