My dad loved a good snack. He didn’t seem to worry much about spoiling his appetite (he said that was something he could always count on coming back), and he was willing to eat nearly everything. Before his passing, I would often try new dishes out for him, knowing that my offerings would be graciously received and enthusiastically consumed. He always made me feel like a good cook. One of my favorite ways to honor my dad’s memory is by cooking for the people I love, including lots of other dads in my life. When I do, I often start with something snack-y, which most dads I know seem to think is a very good idea.

A good snack is satisfying without being overwhelming. My dad liked a “tide over” to carry him through the hours between lunch and dinner; something with a little protein, a little fat, and some carbs always fit the bill. The perfect snack served to both curb his hunger and whet his appetite at the same time.

Another hallmark of a good snack is a novel flavor profile. While my dad was game to eat literally anything I tried my hand at, his favorite things involved a little flair without being too crazy. Mixing up familiar flavors with one or two new tastes seemed to suffice, meaning that standard ingredients got the star treatment, particularly on special days (like this month’s celebration of dads on June 21).

The final element of an excellent snack is some textural contrast. Soft and crunchy, sweet and savory, tangy and creamy, hot and cold – all of these combinations mean a food that is interesting to eat. So, while it seems counterintuitive to mix hot sauce and fruit, for instance, mixing opposites can often highlight the best in any ingredient.

The dip I’ve shared here combines lots of favorite tastes, but in a slightly unusual way. The combination of cheese, nuts, and raspberry jam sounds a bit odd, but when you put it all together, a harmonious union of flavor means a snack that is satisfying and unique. I like this best with crackers, as the softness of the dip is a nice contrast to something crunchy, but crusty bread would work well too. If you plan to serve this to die-hard veggie lovers, go with crispy dippers like celery (which has a nice natural “well” for all the yummy flavors here) or bell pepper strips.

While there is nothing terribly fancy about this dip, be sure you go with ingredients that taste good on their own (I’m a big fan of Bonne Maman-brand jam for this one), and for the best flavor, take the time to shred the cheese yourself if you can. While you can make this dip just before serving it, I recommend giving it several hours (or even overnight) for all the flavors to marry and develop. Just before serving, sprinkle the nuts and extra green onion over the top so they are fresh and crunchy.

I always miss my dad a little extra at this time of year. My dad loved a good snack, and finding ways to share a tasty something-or-other with the other dads I love is one of my favorite ways to remember him. So grab a dad—yours or someone else’s—and “take a dip” together. You’ll be glad you did.

 

Raspberry sweet and savory dip

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 3 green onions, green parts only, chopped (reserve one green onion for garnish)
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp hot sauce (such as Tabasco), optional
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 1/3 cup raspberry preserves
• Assorted crackers, bread or veggies, for serving

Line a round dish (roughly 8-inch diameter) with plastic wrap and set aside. With a hand mixer, combine cream cheese, mayonnaise, mozzarella cheese, cheddar cheese, 2/3 of the green onion, garlic powder and hot sauce until well combined. Gently spoon the mixture into the plastic-lined dish and spread into an even layer. Chill for at least an hour, or up to 24 hours. To serve, invert the dish over a serving platter and remove the plastic wrap. Top with raspberry preserves, chopped pecans, and reserved green onion. Serve with crackers, bread, or veggie dippers.

 

 

Article and photos by Lisa Crockett