What is a nine-layer dip? It is an opportunity to taste a blend of ingredients that transport you to another world. In this nine-layer dip Mediterranean style, the combination of feta, parmesan, and Caponata are just the beginning. Your taste buds should pack their bags because they are off to the Mediterranean.
My taste buds conjure up a fresh, bright flavor and the vision of sitting in an Oceanside cafe. In my left hand a glass of wine, my handy language translation book on the table and a crisp carrot in my right hand. The dip in the center of the table waiting for that carrot to take the plunge into sea of flavor.
Try this nine-layer dip with a pita chip, your or your favorite cracker. Another great option is to dip with vegetables such as carrots, celery, parsnips or zucchini slices. Each scoop of this nine layer dip comes up with a combination that was a bit different than the previous scoop. You will not be disappointed, as every scoop is always a treat.
- 8 ounces cream cheese, low-fat
- 4 ounces Feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese (Parmigiano-Reggiano), shredded
- 1 (7.5-ounce) can Caponata (eggplant appetizer)*
- 1 green onion, finely-chopped
- 1 (4-ounce) can black olives, chopped and drained
- 1 (8-ounce) jar artichoke hearts (marinated), drained and chopped*
- Pita chips or crackers
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Combine cream cheese, crumbled feta and Italian seasoning in a food processor or with a hand mixer in a medium bowl. Set aside.
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Line a 1-quart bowl with plastic wrap, allowing 8 inches of wrap to extend over sides of the bowl. Layer ingredients in this order: 1/2 of the Parmesan, 1/2 of the Caponata, 1/2 of the cream cheese mixture, the green onions, olives, artichoke hearts, remaining Caponata, remaining cream cheese, remaining Parmesan. Fold plastic wrap over top and refrigerate until firm and ready to serve. The spread may be made as much as two days before serving.
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To serve, remove from refrigerator and unfold plastic wrap. Place serving platter face down on top of bowl. Flip it over and remove bowl. Carefully peel off plastic wrap. Serve with pita chips or crackers.
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VARIATION: Use the recipe as a base to start formulating layered spreads of your own. For a classic combination, layer cream cheese mixed with dried dill with smoked salmon, drained capers, chopped boiled egg and red onion to spread on toast points. Or create an Indian-inspired version by combining the cream cheese with a teaspoon of curry powder and chopped mango chutney, then layer with chopped green onions, peanuts and well-drained crushed pineapple
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Makes 18 appetizer servings.
* If you can not find Caponata, substitute chopped roasted red bell peppers.
Source: Nine Layer Dip Mediterranean Style Spread Recipe by Karin Calloway from her cookbook, Quick Cooking with Karin.
Categories:
Artichoke Cream Cheese - Mascarpone Cheese Appetizers Dips, Spreads, Pates & Terrines Eggplant