All in the Family

     Members of the Allium family include cooking onions, red onions, sweet onions, shallots, garlic, leeks, ramps and chives.  Here's a recipe that incorporates three of them.  Take this dip along to your next party with some healthful baked tortilla chips!

Sweet Onion, Scallion & Chive Dip

Ingredients

2 Tbsp salted butter

1 lb sweet onions, such as Vidalia or Peruvian, cut into 1/4" to 1/2" dice

1/2 cup finely chopped scallions, white and tender green parts

1/4 cup finely chopped chives

1 cup sour cream

8 oz cream cheese, at room temperature

1/2 tsp salt (optional)

Directions

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.  Add the onions, reduce the heat to medium-low and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions just begin to turn golden.  Add the scallions and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring.  Remove from the heat;  add the chives and mix well.  Transfer the onion mixture to a bowl and set aside to cool slightly.

While the onion mixture is cooling, combine the sour cream, cream cheese and salt in a medium bowl.  (These can be mixed by hand if the cream cheese is soft or in a food processor if the cream cheese is still firm.)  Add the onion mixture and stir to combine.  Taste and add salt, if desired.  Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.  Makes 3 cups.

Nutrition per tablespoon:  34 calories, 1 g protein, 3 g carbohydrates, 3 g fat, 2 g saturated fat, 8 g cholesterol, 41 mg sodium, 0 g dietary fiber.

Recipe courtesy of the Record Eagle, Traverse City, MI