Spinach Dip with Blue Cheese and Bacon Makes about 1 1/2 cups
Partially thawing the spinach produces a cold dip that can be served without further chilling. If you don't own a microwave, thaw frozen spinach at room temperature for 1 1/2 hours and then squeeze off excess liquid. If making this dip in advance, sprinkle the bacon over it just before serving.
3 slices bacon, cut into 1/4-inch pieces 10 ounces frozen chopped spinach ½ cup sour cream ½ cup mayonnaise 2 tablespoons thin-<WBR>sliced scallions, white parts only, about 3 medium scallions ½ cup packed flat-leaf parsley leaves 1 small clove garlic, minced or pressed through garlic press (about 1 teaspoon) ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper 1 ½ ounces blue cheese, crumbled (about 1/3 cup) salt
1. Fry bacon in small skillet over medium-high heat until crisp and browned, about 5 minutes; using slotted spoon, transfer to paper towel-lined plate and set aside.
2. Thaw spinach in microwave for 3 minutes at 40 percent power. (Edges should be thawed but not warm; center should be soft enough to be broken apart into icy chunks.) Squeeze partially frozen spinach of excess water.
3. In food processor, process spinach, sour cream, mayonnaise, scallions, parsley, garlic, pepper, and crumbled blue cheese until smooth and creamy, about 30 seconds. Transfer mixture to medium bowl and sprinkle bacon over dip; serve.
(Dip can be covered with plastic wrap and refrigerated up to 2 days.)
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