Wednesday, November 4, 2009

The Hanson Family Clam & Olive Dip

When all the relatives are traveling to meet in our home for the Holidays – whether it's Thanksgiving, Christmas or New Years - we always have this dip waiting for them.

Dip Ingredients:
1 Large container, Sour Cream
2 Cans, Chopped Clams
2 Cans, Chopped Black Olives
Juice of half a Large Lemon (or to taste)
2 teaspoons Garlic Powder (or to taste)
1 teaspoon Celery Salt (or to taste)
Freshly Ground Black Pepper (optional)
Fresh Chives, chopped, as a garnish

What to dip with?
Ritz Crackers - Regular
Ridged Potato Chips - the sturdy kind for dipping
Mini Pretzels
Sourdough Bread - cut into bite size pieces
Cucumber sliced into rounds or spears
Celery Sticks
Cherry Tomatoes (stems removed)
Extra Large Black Olives


Directions:
  • Spoon Sour Cream into a mixing bowl using a rubber spatula.

  • Drain chopped clams saving the juice - set aside the clam juice for seasoning.

  • Add chopped clams, drained black olives, garlic powder, celery salt, and pepper to sour cream – mix together well.

  • Add lemon juice and 1 Tablespoon of the clam juice and mix well.

  • In order to make sure the dip is perfectly seasoned - taste the dip.
    Can you taste the lemon and the flavor of the clams? Or does one over power the other?
    Does the dip need more clam juice?
    Is there enough celery salt, black pepper and garlic?
    You’ll taste it right away – there isn’t enough salt – or there could be more lemon. You’ll know when the flavor is perfect – because your taste buds will say “Wow! That's It!”

Serving Suggestions
  • Place the dip into your favorite Holiday bowl – I always have something special for Thanksgiving, Christmas or New Years - and its often crystal to celebrate the holiday. I place the crystal bowl of dip in the middle of a special large round serving tray and surround it with crackers, chips, and pretzels, and dipping vegetables.

  • Serve this dip with chilled Martinelli's Sparkling Apple Cider - a special drink served in a beautiful crystal goblet  to toast the holiday season.

No comments:

Post a Comment