Beach Vacation - Rita's Crab Dip

Remember when Rita brought over a warm crab dip? I guess you had to be there. It was delicious and simple. Here's her recipe:

6 ounces of crabmeat
8 ounces of cream cheese
1 tablespoon finely minced onion
1 tablespoon mayo
Tabasco sauce - 5-10 drops.

Warm it in the oven. OK - I forgot what Rita told me specifically. I guess about 350 for 20 minutes. I'd brown the top under a broiler if I had the chance too.

This recipe is so basic, you'd initially want to doubt it. But don't. If you use GOOD crab, it will work. If you're stil skeptical, do this......

- replace the onion with 1 tablespoon of shallot, and a tablespoon of really finely diced green onion.
- cut the cream cheese by 1/3 and add a tablespoon of lemon juice
- add a dash of salt and a good grinding of fresh ground pepper

But honestly, Rita's version is really, really good.

Sichuan Dipping Sauce for Dumplings.....or anything!!

Using some authentic Sichuan ingredients, this sauce is reminiscent of the side dish of spicy sauce served with Sichuan Hot Pot. It also is a far step above the typical pot-sticker sauce and side dish of spicy oil served at most American style Chinese restaurants.

1 T Chili Bean Paste, preferably a Sichuanese brand found in Chinese markets
1 T Sichuan Green Chili Oil
1/2 Sesame oil
1 T Shaoxing Rice Wine or Sherry
2 t scallions, green and white parts, finely choppped
2 t ginger, finely chopped
2-3 T soy sauce

Combine all ingredients. Sauce holds for approximately 2 weeks refrigerated.

End of a Busy Weekend

Sunday morning golf followed by day 2 of Nora's swim meet in Magnolia. Margie bought salmon and we tossed together a quick dinner for just Tom, Margie and Nora.

No recipes, just staples.

• Cucumbers with Asian seasoning (sesame oil, Shaoxing wine, rice vinegar, S&P)
• Carrot sticks
• Asian Dipping sauce (same as above)
• Mustard sauce (mayo, sour cream, grainy mustard, vinegar)
• Pan Roasted Sockeye salmon - finished in hot oven
• Tapas style rice - onion, stock, thyme, tarragon, S&P

Everyone had a second helping.