Chili Crab Dip

Here is another dip using crabmeat and cheese, but it is a real good one. Especially with the Stanley Cup games on now and baseball in the thick of it.

• 2 tbsp. butter
• 2 shallot, diced
• 1/3 cup chili sauce,
• 1 garlic clove
• 2 tbsp. flour
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup cream
• 250g cream cheese (half the pkg.) cubed and softened
• 1 1/2 cups aged white cheddar, grated
• 1 tub crab claw meat (227g), drained well and patted dry
• 1 tbsp. mustard
• pinch each salt and pepper
• 1/3 cup finely chopped parsley

In a saucepan, melt the butter and then add the shallot, chili sauce and garlic, stirring until the shallot is softened. This should take about 2 1/2-3 minutes. Whisk in the flour and stir for another 2 minutes.

Slowly add the milk and cream, stirring until thickened and smooth (about 4 minutes).  Whisk in the cream cheese and when completely melted and smooth, add about 2/3 of the grated cheddar. Again, stirring until smooth.

When this is all really smooth (no lumps) add the crab meat, mustard, salt and pepper.

Sprinkle with the remaining cheese, and broil for about 3-5 minutes, until it is bubbling and golden. Let this stand about 5 minutes before trying to serve. Add crackers, napkins and a favourite beverage. Game on..