Hot Artichoke and Crab Dip

I learned this recipe a very long time ago while working in a gourmet store and have made a few changes appropriate for diabetics. Artichokes are wonderful, healthy vegetables and contain a great amount of fiber. Paired with crab meat, or if you prefer surimi crab meat, only makes them better. Add Parmesan cheese and you have taken it to new heights. This dip is best served warm or room temperature and I have chosen to use endive spears as little cups to hold this thick and rich dip, but of course you can use whatever you prefer. This is another recipe where you can substitute surimi crab instead of the pricey lump crab meat and it will still be delicious. The net carbohydrate in this dip is so low you may notice I doubled the serving size. I hope you enjoy.

Hot Artichoke and Crab Dip

Ingredients:

1 cup mayonnaise

1/2 cup sour cream

1 - 9 ounce package of frozen artichoke hearts, defrosted and rough chopped

8 ounces lump crab meat, picked and clean or 8 ounces surimi imitation crab meat

1 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded, reserving 1/4 cup for the topping

1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper, or to taste

freshly ground black pepper

vegetable spray

Preheat oven to 350'

Blend the mayonnaise and sour cream in a bowl. Add the rough chopped artichokes, 3/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese and lump crab meat. Season with cayenne and black pepper. If you are using the surimi crab meat you'll need to rough chop that also before adding it.

Lightly coat a medium casserole dish that the dip will be served in with vegetable spray and transfer the mixture to the dish. Smooth the top with a spatula and sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan cheese and additional black pepper if desired. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes or until it is bubbly and the top is browned.

Nutritional Facts Using the Surimi Crab Meat

(Lump crab will have even less carbs but higher cholesterol, sodium and potassium)

20 - 1/4 Cup Servings - Yields 5 Cups Total

Amount Per Serving

Calories 116.8

Total Fat 10.4 g

Saturated Fat 2.6 g

Polyunsaturated Fat 0.1 g

Monounsaturated Fat 0.7 g

Cholesterol 9.1 mg

Sodium 215.1 mg

Potassium 13.2 mg

Total Carbohydrate 3.3 g

Dietary Fiber 0.8 g

Sugars 0.9 g

Protein 2.7 g