Big Game Recipe for Hot Crab Dip (with options)

Perfect snack for watching important sporting events.

Baked Crab Dip (Prep. Time 30-40 minutes.  Serves 12+)

1 container jumbo lump crab meat and 1 container lump or premium crab meat (total 1 lb.) checked over for shells

1C. shredded sharp cheddar

¾ C mayonnaise

1 Tb. Old Bay seasoning

½ tsp. mustard powder

Zest from a half lemon

1 piece of roasted red pepper from the jar (pimento), julienned

Salt & pepper

Paprika

Preheat oven to 375.  In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, cheddar, seasonings and red pepper strips.  Once those ingredients are well combined, gently fold in the crab to avoid breaking up the chunks.  Pour dip into a casserole dish that has been sprayed with cooking spray.  Sprinkle the paprika on top and bake about 30 minutes until bubbling.  Serve with crostini, crackers  or pita chips.  The dip is also good cold and, if you have a lot of leftovers, cook up some fettuccine, warm up the dip and combine to make a  pimento cheese/crab Alfredo.

Ooooh!  I just thought of this! Before avocado prices go up, get some avocados, slice them, remove the pit, carefully spoon out the fruit. Cut it in quarters and put the hot crab dip in the center.  Creamy and good!