This is the time of year when friends and family gather around bonfires in the evening to enjoy its warmth and perhaps roast hot dogs and marshmallows in the chilly autumn air. It’s always great to have a couple of snacks to go with these old standbys.
Here are two ideas you may like to try at your next bonfire or get-together. The first is a great dip to serve with pretzels, and the other goes well with your favorite crackers. Your guests will love them both!
PRETZEL MUSTARD DIP
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup prepared yellow or Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon sugar
4 tablespoons finely chopped onion
2 tablespoons dry ranch salad dressing mix
3 teaspoons prepared horseradish
Pretzels
In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, mustard, sugar, onion, salad dressing mix and horseradish. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
Serve with pretzels. Makes about 1 cup of dip.
CRAB AU GRATIN SPREAD
2 tablespoons, plus 1 teaspoon, butter or margarine, divided
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon paprika
1/2 cup half-and-half
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup chicken broth (or white wine)
1 (6-ounce) can crabmeat, drained, flaked and cartilage removed, or 2/3 cup chopped imitation crabmeat
1 (42-ounce) can mushroom stems and pieces, drained and chopped
1 1/2 teaspoon snipped chives
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 tablespoon dry bread crumbs
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
Assorted crackers
In a saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons butter. Stir in the flour, salt and paprika until smooth.
Gradually add half-and-half, milk and broth or wine. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for about 1-2 minutes or until thickened.
Stir in the crab, mushrooms and chives; heat through. Stir in cheese just until melted. Transfer to a greased shallow 1-quart baking dish.
Melt remaining butter; toss with bread crumbs. Sprinkle over crab mixture and top with Parmesan cheese.
Bake, uncovered, at 400 degrees for 10-15 minutes, or until bubbly. Let stand for 5 minutes. Serve with crackers. Yields about 2 cups.
Brotherton offers website readers one stellar recipe a week in the “My Leader Yummy” feature. Looking for a recipe you can’t find? Email me at kbrotherton42@gmail.com and I’ll see if I have it.
