HOT CRAB, ARTICHOKE AND JALAPENO DIP

HOT CRAB, ARTICHOKE AND JALAPENO DIP image

Yield 14 people

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 large green bell pepper, chopped
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
two 14-ounce cans artichoke hearts, drained and chopped fine
2 cups bottled mayonnaise
1/2 cup thinly sliced scallion
1/2 cup drained and chopped bottled pimiento or roasted red pepper
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan
1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, or to taste
4 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce, or to taste
3 bottled pickled jalapeno pepper or to taste, seeded and minced (wear rubber gloves)
1 teaspoon celery salt
1 pound crab meat, thawed and drained if frozen, picked over
1/3 cup sliced almonds, toasted lightly

Steps:

In a small heavy skillet cook the bell pepper in the oil over moderate heat, stirring, until it is softened and let it cool. In a large bowl combine the bell pepper, the artichokes, the mayonnaise, the scallion, the pimiento, the Parmesan, the lemon juice, the Worcestershire sauce, the jalapeno peppers. and the celery salt, blend the mixture until it is combined well, and stir in the crab meat gently. Transfer the mixture to a buttered ovenproof chafing dish or baking dish and sprinkle it with the almonds. The dip may be prepared up to this point 1 day in advance and kept covered and chilled. Bake the dip in a preheated 375° F. oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the mixture is bubbly. Serve the dip with French bread or pita triangles.