Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Chunky Chopped Clam and Bacon Dip





From the kitchen of One Perfect Bite...The countdown to the new year has begun, and, as the nesting months of its first quarter approach, I'm starting to give some consideration to fireplace and football food. This week I wanted to explore some of my favorite snacks and appetizers, especially the ones that make hosting a breeze. They're simple to make and easy on the pocketbook. Their greatest virtue is that they'll also allow you to enjoy a game or conversation with friends and fellow fans. I also wanted to come up with newer versions of old recipes that everyone likes. Who doesn't like clam dip or can resist one that's laced with bacon? I know I can't, so I thought I'd give this a try and, hopefully, come up with something that could be shared with you. I'm glad I did. While I prefer the flavor of fresh chopped clams, canned clams work well here if they are drained. I reserve the clam juice and use it at the very end of the recipe to achieve the consistency I want for my dip. Make sure your bacon is really crisp, well-drained and not too finely crumbled before adding it to the mix. The red bell pepper adds wonderful color to the dip. If you don't care for horseradish use hot sauce instead. I like to prepare this a full day before serving it. This dip ages really well if refrigerated. Here's the recipe.


Chunky Chopped Clam and Bacon Dip...from the kitchen of One Perfect Bite

Ingredients:

10 slices thick-cut smoked bacon, cooked and crumbled
2 cans (6 oz. size) drained chopped clams, liquid reserved
1/2 cup + 1 teaspoon sour cream
8 ounces softened cream cheese
2 scallions, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon mayonnaise
1 teaspoon prepared horseradish or horseradish sauce
1/2 cup finely chopped red bell pepper

Directions:

Blend all ingredients in medium mixing bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving. If dip is too thick, thin with spoonfuls of reserved clam juice until desired consistency is reached. Remove from refrigerator 1/2 hour before serving. Serve with chips, crackers or bread. Discard leftovers that have been sitting at room temperature. Yield: 12 servings.

19 comments :

Jersey Girl Cooks said...

Bookmarking this for football playoffs!

Katy ~ said...

Friends would certainly cheer for this!

tracieMoo said...

I'm up for this! sour cream.. and bacon.. what a great combo!

Martha said...

This may be my next to take appetizer when I'm asked to bring something. Alas, on the prairie it HAS to be canned clams!

Ginger said...

Happy New Year Mary,

I had a minute to sit down before all my New Year's Eve planning started and I am happy I did. I need some new dips for my party! This dip is a definite keeper. Thanks ONCE AGAIN!

Gin

Chef E said...

Ummm, I would have to say I need to have a few dips around this weekend! This looks so yummy, I wish I could scoop my finger right threw it now!

Lea Ann said...

Yum, going to bookmark this for Superbowl Day! Really sounds good and thanks for the recipe.

Claudia said...

I want this for breakfast. It is just scrumtpious.I love clams and sometimes in MN - during the holidays you can get some decent fresh ones... sometimes....

Beverly said...

Mary, this sounds delicious and easy. My guys love clams.

Regina said...

Wow love it.
Happy New Year!
Cheers.

Inspired by eRecipeCards said...

Mary, I just noticed you have over 500 followers... A milestone that deserves to be recognized... quality will be recognized.

We are hosting the party this year, and I am starting to hunt down easy recipes


thanks for this

Donna-FFW said...

I know what I am making New Years Eve! Sounds perfectly delicious!

NKP said...

Mmm, that looks wonderful! I make a similar one with canned crab meat but the clams are a really interesting idea!

Kathy said...

Yumlicious, This would go down very well over here, Happiest of New Years to you, Kathy.

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Mary, I'm playing catch up on your blog, and I just wanted you to know that I hope your Christmas was wonderful and that your New Year will be exceptional! Despite your travel troubles, it looks like you're having a wonderful time with loved ones! Yea!

Sending you warm hugs and much love...

XO,

Sheila :-)

Mary Bergfeld said...

Dave, thanks so much for your kind words. They really are appreciated.

Jamie said...

Mmmmmm. Amazing! Like a thick and creamy clam chowder. I love this! This would go perfect with...rugby!

Deb in Hawaii said...

Looks ever so much better than the store-bought clam dip we used to eat on New Year's Eve. ;-)

Lori said...

Mary- you are a machine. All of your food is totally amazing. I could so go for some of this clam dip right now! YUM!

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