Roasted Shallot Dip

Caramelized sweet shallots and silky mascarpone cheese add new-school touches to onion-soup dip. No need to waste time peeling all the shallots; after roasting, the papery skins easily slip away. Serve with Rosemary Salt-and-Vinegar Chips.


Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 pounds shallots, unpeeled and root ends trimmed
• 3 garlic cloves, unpeeled
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 (8-oz.) container sour cream
• 1 (8-oz.) container mascarpone cheese
• 1/3 cup thinly sliced fresh chives
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons whole grain Dijon mustard
• 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• Dash of hot sauce
• Garnishes: cooked and crumbled bacon, lemon zest, chopped fresh chives

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 425°. Cut shallots in half. Toss together shallots and next 2 ingredients in a jelly-roll pan; sprinkle with desired amount of salt and pepper. Bake 45 to 50 minutes or until shallots are light brown and skins are charred, stirring twice. Cool completely in pan on a wire rack (about 30 minutes). Remove and discard papery skins from shallots and garlic, and coarsely chop shallots and garlic.

2. Stir together sour cream and next 7 ingredients; fold in shallot mixture. Add salt and pepper to taste. Cover and chill 4 to 48 hours. Stir before serving. Add salt and pepper to taste just before serving, if desired.

Note: Make Ahead: Prepare recipe up to 2 days in advance; chill in airtight container. Let stand at room temperature 30 minutes before serving.

Source: Marian Cooper Cairns, Southern Living   DECEMBER 2013