Hot Crab and Cheese Dip

This is a variation of something that I had while dinning out, when I asked the chef for the recipe - he said not - so I decided to give it a shot - came out pretty good!!!

• Ready In: 45 mins
• Serves: 12

Ingredients

• 16  ounces  crabmeat (claw)
• 8  ounces cream cheese (room temp)
• 1  cup cheese (shredded, I like a sharp cheese but use what you like)
• 1⁄4 teaspoon  bottled hot pepper sauce (you want some heat but not to take over the flavor)
• 1⁄2 cup shrimp (chopped raw peeled and devined)
• 1  tablespoon garlic (minced)
• 1  teaspoon  Old Bay Seasoning
• 1  teaspoon onion powder
• 2  tablespoons  chopped fresh parsley (1 tsp dry)
•  salt and pepper

Directions

1. Mix all ingredients in no special order - except to make sure you whip the cream cheese slightly.
2. Pour into a well greased oven safe bowl and bake for 30 mins or until the cheese bubbles up.
3. Serve with crustinies* or warm bread.
4. *Crustinies are simple slices of your favorite Italian bread (1/4" or less cut on an angle) rubbed with a raw clove of garlic (cut the clove in half and simply rub over each slice of bread) a drizzle of olive oil and a dash of parmesan on each slice. Bake at 325°F till golden brown.