Friday, September 4, 2009

Chips and Dip

Left to my own devices, I'd probably choose to snack the day away, rather than eat full meals. I often find a series of tasty little nibbles just as satisfying, perhaps even more so, than an entire dinner. Of course the trick is to nibble on things that aren't going to spend a lifetime on my hips.

For the last couple of years, I've been making all of my dips with non-fat Greek yogurt in place of sour cream ... and they're every bit as tasty. In this case, I paired the yogurt with caramelized shallots and some Old Bay Seasoning to create a wonderful twist on the classic onion dip.

Zesty Old Bay Dip:
  • 1 tsp. olive oil
  • 1 large shallot, peeled and chopped
  • one 6 oz. container of plain, non-fat Greek yogurt
  • 2 tsp. Old Bay Seasoning
  • 2 tsp. snipped fresh chives
  • 2 -3 drops of Tobasco sauce, optional
Heat a small skillet over medium-high heat and add the oil. When it is hot, but not smoking, add the shallots and saute, stirring often until the shallots are golden brown. Remove from heat to a small saucer or dish and allow the shallots to cool to room temperature.

In a small bowl, combine the Greet yogurt, caramelized shallots, Old Bay Seasoning and fresh chives, stirring well with a small whisk to incorporate. If desired, add two or three drops of Tobasco sauce, whisking well to combine. Chill in the fridge until ready to serve or serve immediately. Enjoy!

Now, if you want to snack healthy, you'd do well to replace the chips with some crudite. And so I did. I like to enjoy it with a bright rainbow of bell peppers, with red and yellow being my favorites. That said, the photo was just begging for a potato chip ... and so was the husband. He's a chip-o-haulic of the highest order. We were both well-pleased with the selection!

Old Bay Seasoning has a bit of a kick all on its own, so if you're heat averse - go easy on the Tobasco or skip it altogether. The Old Bay combines beautifully with the shallots and chives, while the Greek yogurt offers all of the texture of sour cream without the fat. Plus, its packed with protein. Win/win!

With the end of summer holiday this weekend, I figure there will be some serious snacking going on across the country. Everyone loves chips and dip - why not shake things up a bit and offer your guests this unexpected little treat?

So how will you be spending the last blast of summer? Curious Diva wants to know.

Have a wonderful holiday and I'll "see" you on Tuesday. Cheers!

14 comments:

GarlicBOSS said...

I like this with the Old Bay

Astra Libris said...

Oooh, Diva, your dip sounds incredible! So healthy and brimming with flavor! Perfect for the holiday weekend! This will definitely emerge on our table soon... :-)

I couldn't agree with you more about the delights of nibbling, too! :-)

Anonymous said...

This is another great example how yogurt can be used to make something fatty and delicious more healthy and delicious. Yummy!

Juliana said...

Wow, I really the simplicity of the dip...and believe of not I was just recently introduced to Old Bay...yummie!

pixelgal said...

I've invited some friends over for a cookout and will definitely use this recipe for my appetizers, since I'm pretty much appetizer challenged when it comes to creating them. I'll let you know how it goes...maybe with your spinach dip as well. Sounds easy enough even for me! Enjoy.

Mom said...

I love Old Bay! This is definitely a keeper. Thanks!

Jennifer said...

Okay, who is not crazy about old bay? It is sort of a comfort food. :)

Debbie said...

This will definitely be one I try...

The Wino said...

Sounds yummy! Love carmalized shallots, I will have to check it out. Though it is gonna be tough to not eat this with tater chips...It is finally pouring down rain here in AZ, I am hoping it lasts all weekend!See you tues!

Anonymous said...

Great dip with shallots and Old Bay! I love that it is healthy and fat free! Hope you are having a great weekend!

nora@ffr said...

ye dip sound fab!! :) so healthy and looking delish!! yumm!

Marta said...

Oh I always snack the day away! Man, if I'm alone, there is no way I make full meals with sit-down service and all. Nope, I'm a grazer, so I snack and much throughout the day! It's all a matter of making them healthy snacks. But I have unhealthy days as well ;)
This looks great and very satisfying!

The Diva on a Diet said...

GarlicBOSS - a bit of garlic in there couldn't hurt either! ;)

Astra - I hope you'll like it ... see above garlic comment for Zach! LOL

HH - Yogurt really is a wonder-food!

Juliana - Old Bay is yummy stuff for sure, its good on so many things. Try it on popcorn sometime, its delicious!

pixelgal - happy to help! I think you'd really enjoy that spinach dip, its spectacular too. Hope the BBQ went well!

Mom - have you tried using Old Bay when roasting potatoes? Its really, really good!

Jennifer - welcome! And, I agree! :)

Debbie - Thank you! :)

Wino - I hope you had all the rain you needed - and that you had a wonderful weekend regardless!

5 Star - thank you too! I hope your weekend was fantastic as well. :)

Nora - thank you!

Marta - sounds like I'm in fine company with the snacking and grazing. We all have those unhealthy days ... in some ways, I think that's good for the soul. :)

stephchows said...

MMM pass me some veggies and I'm ready to go!