This dip is just the thing when you want something a little bit different. It’s guaranteed to tweak the tastebuds of the culinarily adventurous without shocking the sensibilities of the, ahem, traditionalists (read: stuffy stick-in-the-muds) among your holiday guests. It’s savory and aromatic and has an interesting touch of sweetness and texture from the pomegranates. And it’s a beautiful, festive color, too!

It’s also super easy and can be done even faster in a food processor. Just mince all the green things (parsley, jalapeno, capers, scallion) and the garlic together, toss in the rest (minus the pomegranate arils), and pulse a few times to blend. Fold the arils in by hand and you’re done!

In addition to being insanely wonderful on homemade sunflower crostini (all gone, sadly) and other toasty things, crackers, and crudites, I’ve used this as a dip for boiled shrimp and (with the addition of some milk) as a sauce for linguine (a BIG hit around these parts!)

Make up a batch and see what it inspires you to create. Here’s an idea: spread some on slabs of rustic peasant bread, broil until bubbly, and top with a dollop of caponata or sun-dried tomato tapenade. (Ack! I’d better stop this or I’ll run every red light on the way to the supermarket!)

Here’s a photo of the Hugging the Coast Holiday Dip below.

Ingredients:

1 - 8 oz package cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup sour cream
1/2 cup grated Romano cheese
1/4 cup finely chopped parsley
1 large jalapeno, seeded and minced
1 Tbsp small capers
2 Tbsp minced scallion (green parts only)
1 Tbsp dried basil
1 tsp dried oregano
2 large cloves garlic, finely minced
1/4 tsp ground black pepper
Pinch of celery salt (optional)
1/2 cup pomegranate arils

PREPARATION:

In a medium bowl, combine the first 11 ingredients (cream cheese through black pepper.) Check for salt, adding a pinch of celery salt if needed. Fold in the pomegranate arils. Serve softened as a dip or chill to serve as a spread. Makes about 2-1/2 cups.

Enjoy!

You Can Read More of Doug’s Recipe Corner Here.

Please join us tomorrow to find out more about our new Hugging the Coast.Com Winter 2008 Comment Contest as we celebrate Hugging the Coast’s First Birthday / Blog Anniversary!

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