Caramelized Onion Dip

Well, it is Super Bowl (Puppy Bowl) Sunday and true to fashion, I am posting my Super Bowl recipe too late.  But hey, at least it is the day of!  At the rate I am going, you're lucky this isn't two months later, lol :)  The good news is that it doesn't have to be Super Bowl to enjoy this spectacular dip.  

Those of you that know me, know that I can never get enough of Ina Garten and Martha Stewart (the old Martha shows).  They make entertaining and living look so easy yet luxurious.  There is a newcomer though, who is climbing high on my list of must watch cooking shows.  

Amy Thielen has a show on the Food Network called Heartland Table and she is simply inspiring! Her Midwest roots shine through in each recipe and it is all about living off of the land with seasonal dishes.  That is where I first saw this recipe and knew that I had to try it.  

I don't think there is any better smell on the face of the earth than onions cooking in butter.  Nothing.  Not even fresh cut roses (I'm not even kidding).  Cooking the onions in clarified butter for a long time make them so sweet and delicious.  Add them to a creamy base with some spices and this makes for the tastiest of all onion dips out there!     

Caramelized Onion Dip

recipe adapted from Heartland Table

4 tablespoons clarified butter

1 large onion, sliced into thin rings

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper

1 teaspoon honey

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 cup white wine or dry vermouth 

4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature

1 cup sour cream

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

1 teaspoon hot sauce

2 tablespoons chopped chives

salt and pepper to taste

To clarify the butter, melt in a pan over low heat until the milk solids rise tot he top.  Using a spoon, skim the milk solids from the top of the butter.  Clarified butter will allow the onions to cook longer at a higher heat, resulting in uber-caramelized onions. 

Add sliced onions to butter and turn heat up to medium-low.  Cook for about 20 minutes, flipping and stirring often, until they are caramelized.  Don't worry if some edges turn dark or black, this just adds to the flavor. 

Once the onions are caramelized add the honey and garlic and cook for 3-5 more minutes.  Finally, add white wine and cook until most of the liquid has evaporated.  

Remove onions from pan and let cool on a cutting board.  In the meantime, whisk together the cream cheese and sour cream.  Once the onions have cooled, use a knife to dice them into small pieces.  Add onions, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce and chives and stir to combine.  Salt and pepper to taste. 

Place dip in refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to cool.  Serve with chips or veggies of your choice!