Steep Estate Clam Dip
Steep Estate Clam Dip Recipe - Creamy and Delicious
Introduction
Steep Estate Clam Dip is a classic appetizer that is perfect for any gathering or party. This creamy and flavorful dip is made with minced baby clams, cream cheese, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, and lemon juice. It is easy to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser.
History
The origins of clam dip can be traced back to the mid-20th century when canned clams became widely available in the United States. The combination of cream cheese and clams quickly became a popular party dip, especially in coastal regions where seafood was abundant. Over the years, different variations of clam dip have emerged, but the basic recipe remains a favorite among seafood lovers.
Ingredients
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp of worcestershire sauce
- 2 tsp of lemon juice
- 8 oz (227 g) of softened cream cheese
- 8 oz (227 g) of minced baby clams
- 0.25 cup of clam juice
- 1 tsp of salt
- 1 tsp of freshly ground black pepper
How to prepare
- Drain the clams, reserving 0.25 cup of juice. Rinse and mince the clams well.
- Add the minced clams, reserved juice, and seasonings to the softened cream cheese. Mix well.
- Chill the mixture for at least 3 hours to allow the flavors to combine.
- Remove from the refrigerator and serve at room temperature.
Variations
- Add chopped green onions or parsley for extra flavor.
- Mix in a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
- Substitute Greek yogurt for cream cheese for a lighter version of the dip.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Make sure to thoroughly rinse and mince the clams to ensure a smooth and creamy texture in the dip.
- Allow the dip to chill for at least 3 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Serve the dip at room temperature to enhance the flavors and make it easier to dip with crackers or vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Steep Estate Clam Dip with crackers, breadsticks, or fresh vegetables such as celery, carrots, and bell peppers.
Cooking Techniques
Mince the clams finely to ensure a smooth texture in the dip.
- Mix the ingredients well to evenly distribute the flavors.
- Chill the dip for at least 3 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Ingredient Substitutions
Use canned chopped clams instead of minced baby clams.
- Substitute lemon zest for lemon juice.
- Use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic.
Make Ahead Tips
Steep Estate Clam Dip can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Allow the dip to come to room temperature before serving.
Presentation Ideas
Serve Steep Estate Clam Dip in a hollowed-out bread bowl for a rustic presentation. Garnish with fresh parsley or paprika for a pop of color.
Pairing Recommendations
Pair Steep Estate Clam Dip with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or a light lager beer. The creamy dip complements the acidity and effervescence of these beverages.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Store any leftover Steep Estate Clam Dip in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop before serving.
Nutrition Information
Calories per serving
Each serving of Steep Estate Clam Dip contains approximately 150 calories.
Carbohydrates
Each serving of Steep Estate Clam Dip contains approximately 2 grams of carbohydrates.
Fats
Each serving of Steep Estate Clam Dip contains approximately 12 grams of fats.
Proteins
Each serving of Steep Estate Clam Dip contains approximately 4 grams of proteins.
Vitamins and minerals
Steep Estate Clam Dip is a good source of calcium, iron, and vitamin C.
Alergens
Steep Estate Clam Dip contains dairy (cream cheese) and shellfish (clams).
Summary
Steep Estate Clam Dip is a creamy and flavorful appetizer that is relatively low in carbohydrates and high in fats and proteins. It is a good source of calcium, iron, and vitamin C, but may not be suitable for those with dairy or shellfish allergies.
Summary
Steep Estate Clam Dip is a classic and delicious appetizer that is perfect for any occasion. With its creamy texture and flavorful combination of clams, cream cheese, and seasonings, this dip is sure to be a hit with your guests. Serve it with crackers or fresh vegetables for a tasty and satisfying snack.
How did I get this recipe?
The moment I found this recipe is etched in my memory forever. It was a warm summer day, and I was rummaging through an old, dusty box of recipe cards in the attic. I had always been fascinated by the art of cooking, and I loved trying out new recipes and techniques. As I sifted through the yellowed cards, my eyes landed on a small, weathered card with the words "Steep Estate Clam Dip" scrawled across the top in elegant cursive.
My curiosity piqued, I carefully pulled out the card and examined it closely. The recipe was written in delicate script, with detailed instructions on how to create the perfect clam dip. I was intrigued by the unique combination of ingredients - clams, cream cheese, Worcestershire sauce, and lemon juice. It seemed like a dish that would be both decadent and delicious.
I had never heard of Steep Estate Clam Dip before, and I wondered where the recipe had come from. The card itself was old and faded, with no indication of its origin. I imagined it must have been passed down through generations, a cherished family secret that had been carefully preserved.
Eager to try out the recipe, I gathered the ingredients and set to work in the kitchen. The clams were fresh and briny, the cream cheese smooth and creamy, and the Worcestershire sauce added a tangy kick. As I mixed and blended the ingredients together, the aroma of the dip filled the air, making my mouth water in anticipation.
When the dip was finally ready, I scooped it into a small serving dish and garnished it with a sprinkle of parsley. I couldn't wait to taste it, to see if the flavors lived up to my expectations. I grabbed a crisp cracker and dipped it into the creamy mixture, savoring the rich, savory flavor that exploded on my taste buds.
The Steep Estate Clam Dip was everything I had hoped for and more. The clams added a briny freshness to the dish, while the cream cheese provided a rich and velvety texture. The Worcestershire sauce and lemon juice added a zesty punch that balanced out the flavors perfectly. It was a truly sensational combination, unlike anything I had ever tasted before.
I knew that I had stumbled upon a gem of a recipe, one that would become a staple in my kitchen for years to come. I made the dip for family gatherings, potlucks, and holiday parties, always receiving rave reviews from everyone who tried it. The recipe became my signature dish, the one that people would always ask me to make.
As time went on, I couldn't help but wonder about the origins of the Steep Estate Clam Dip. Who had created this recipe? Where had it come from? I decided to do some digging and see if I could uncover the mystery behind this delicious dish.
After some research and a few phone calls to distant relatives, I finally pieced together the story behind the recipe. It turned out that the Steep Estate Clam Dip had been a favorite of my great-grandmother, who had received the recipe from a close friend many years ago. The friend had claimed that the recipe had been passed down through her family for generations, originating from a grand estate by the sea.
The estate, known as Steep Estate, had been a grand and opulent mansion that overlooked the ocean. It was said to be a place of luxury and indulgence, where the finest foods and wines were served to guests from near and far. The clam dip had been a beloved appetizer at the estate's lavish parties, a dish that had become synonymous with elegance and sophistication.
As I delved deeper into the history of the recipe, I learned that the Steep Estate had long since fallen into disrepair, its grandeur faded and forgotten. But the recipe for the clam dip had survived, passed down through the generations as a cherished heirloom. It had traveled from the grand dining room of the estate to my humble kitchen, where it had found a new home and a new generation of admirers.
I felt honored to be the custodian of such a precious recipe, one with a rich and storied past. Every time I made the Steep Estate Clam Dip, I felt a connection to the generations of cooks who had come before me, each one adding their own twist to the dish. It was a reminder of the power of food to bring people together, to create memories and traditions that would endure for years to come.
And so, as I sit here now, surrounded by the aroma of the clam dip simmering on the stove, I can't help but feel a sense of gratitude for the recipe that has brought so much joy and delight into my life. The Steep Estate Clam Dip may have originated in a grand mansion by the sea, but now it belongs to me, a humble cook with a love for good food and a passion for sharing it with others. And for that, I am truly grateful.
Categories
| Cathy's Recipes | Clam Juice Recipes | Clam Recipes | Cream Cheese Recipes | Dip Recipes |