I come from a long line of fantastic cooks and passionate foodies. I'd say it's our family legacy.
As far back as I can remember, our family gatherings and special occasions spill over with animated chatter, secret giggles, big warm laughs, juicy gossip, rousing board games and deep, quiet heart to hearts in the corner. But no matter what the occasion, the centrepiece of coming together as a family was and is, the food. The glorious food. Food that fills your belly and your soul.
Now when we gather we even talk about the food that we used to eat in days gone by. Our faces light up in unison when someone mentions Auntie Alice's Stampede BBQ's, or that home-made Chinese feast at my in-laws that went on for hours, or Auntie Frizzle's caramel covered marshmallows, or Mom's apple pies. Love-soaked memories, that we share repeatedly with each other so we can celebrate together again the homespun feasts that we each have tucked away in our minds, for safe keeping.
Lucky me, I have a few other things tucked away for safe keeping. Heirloom family recipes. Recipes that overflow with down-home yumminess and a whole schwack of love. Thanks for this one Mom. It's simply, memorably delicious!
MOM'S CRAB DIP
8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
2 green onions, sliced and chopped
Juice of 1 fresh lemon or lime
2 teaspoons of hot horseradish
Sea salt & freshly ground pepper
1 tin (6 1/2 ounces) crab meat
Combine all ingredients except the crab meat and mix well. Carefully mix in crab meat until evenly distributed. Scoop into small oven-proof dish. Bake at 350F for 20-25 minutes until just getting toasty golden on top and heated through. Serve with ripple chips or your favorite dippers.