Epic Sardine Dip

Alright, I know I have posted some of my favorite tins on here with all of you but, I've been holding back. I know, I know, I deserve a lashing across my knuckles with a wooden ruler for not sharing this recipe sooner.

This is no ordinary recipe! This recipe right here, was in the same box that award winning recipes were in, that once belonged to my grandmother. It was one box, of many, that I acquired after her passing.

The first time I made this dip was last spring and it blew my socks off. The taste was so unforgettable, epic and delicious. So, I decided to share it with all of you here because everyone deserves to taste this dip.

Alright, enough story telling, let's dive into creating the sardine dip that goes beyond mere words.

Here's the recipe:

Ingredients:

2- 3.75oz cans of the best Sardines that you love. Make sure they are in Olive Oil.(Do not drain the oil, keep some of it for the dip).

Creamy Dip Base
8 ounces cream cheese, softened

1/4 cup mayonnaise (Duke's mayonnaise is recommended but your favorite kind will do)

1 small shallot, finely chopped

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 tablespoon of old bay seasoning

2 tablespoons fresh herbs (a mix of dill, parsley, and chives) finely chopped

1 tablespoon capers, finely chopped

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Zest of 1 lemon

Prepare the Sardines:
Open the sardine cans. Gently remove the sardines, keeping some of the olive oil from the cans. With a fork, mash the sardines in a bowl, including the soft bones(Excellent Calcium boost)

Combine creamy dip Base:

In a separate bowl, combine together the softened cream cheese and mayonnaise until smooth.

Add the mashed sardines, shallot, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, old bay seasoning and fresh herbs and capers, to the cream cheese mixture.
Add some of the oil from the sardine cans, to reach the desired consistency.
Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well combined.

Do Not skip this Step
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to come together(This Step is very important)

Serve with your choice of:
Crackers/Chips
Toasted baguette slices, sourdough or rye bread
Fresh vegetables like celery, carrots, cucumbers or sweet peppers

Let me know what you think of this dip. Everyone has asked for the recipe since making it last year.

I hope you enjoy it…