The kitchen has some sort of magnetic force. You can put the food and goodies all over the rest of the house, but people will just pick up their plates and move back into the kitchen.
I, for one, have given up. My kitchen is where the action is, so I just make it — and some delicious appetizers — the center of all of my get-togethers. It’s certainly easier than trying to constantly herd folks into other rooms!
Juggling food prep while engaging in witty repartee with friends is not always easy to do, and potentially very dangerous. If you are distractible like I am, you could end up with burnt food or body parts, neither of which makes for a particularly enjoyable party. I like to avoid potential disasters with make-ahead recipes that require no cooking once friends have arrived. That way, the food is ready and the prep dishes are washed and out of view, so I can relax.
Think easy to serve and especially to eat, like a counter or a table full of appetizers that people can nibble on while chatting. Kitchen entertaining is at its easiest when no one needs to sit down with a fork and knife to eat their food.
Appetizers can also easily be the whole meal, if they are plentiful. Lots of little bite-sized goodies is actually my favourite way to eat, so I can enjoy many different flavours in one meal. We hosted just such an event this past weekend, with everyone bringing a few of their favourite appetizers. I made this Low-Carb Smoky Bacon Cheddar Dip and served it with endive leaves for me and tortilla chips for everyone else. It was a huge hit.
So if your friends and family tend to head to the kitchen from the moment they arrive at your house, consider making it the focal point of your party. Gather a few easy-to-serve recipes, grab a drink, relax and enjoy the time spent with good people and good food.
- 8 slices bacon
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup half and half
- 2 tbsp arrowroot powder
- 1/4 tsp xanthan gum
- 8 ounces sharp Cheddar grated
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
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In large skillet over medium heat, cook bacon until crisp. Remove to a paper towel-lined plate, reserving bacon grease.
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Combine cream and half and half in a large measuring cup. Stir in arrowroot powder until dissolved.
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Add cream mixture to pan with bacon grease and continue to cook over medium-low heat. Whisk in xanthan gum briskly.
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When mixture begins to thicken, add grated cheese on handful at a time, whisking in to melt.
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Add salt and peper and stir until smooth. Remove from heat
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Chop bacon and stir into cheese mixture.
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Transfer to a bowl and serve.
Serves 20 (can easily be halved). Each serving has 2 g of carbs.
Other Nutritional Info: 120 Calories; 11g Fat (80.3% calories from fat); 4g Protein; 2g Carbohydrate; trace Dietary Fiber; 35mg Cholesterol; 174mg Sodium
Other Delicious Low Carb Appetizers:
Zucchini and Feta Fritters
This post is part of BlogHer’s Kitchen Entertaining editorial series, made possible by KitchenAid.
Emily @ Life on Food says
I love a good cheesy dip. I also love having friends gather around the kitchen to eat and chat. Sounds like the perfect evening!
Wanda says
The links for the Zucchini and Feta Fritters and Cheddar Jalapeno Crackers are not working on this page.
Regan @ Cabot says
Wow, wow. Sounds SO yum. I used to love cheese dip made with that not-really-cheese-block-off-the-shelf… know what I mean? And then I woke up 🙂 Loving this option so much better!
Mary says
Love the recipe but how important is the xanthan gum? Could you leave it out or maybe replace with something other than another gum? Thanks.
Carolyn says
It needs a little help thickening, so you do need to use something.
Stephanie @ Eat. Drink. Love. says
What a yummy dip! I love the idea of using endive as a dipper!
Kim Beaulieu says
This is one seriously gorgeous dip Carolyn. Great way to keep guests busy while you prep dinner.
Allison says
Dip looks amazing! Can’t wait to try it. What are those gorgeous tomatoes stuffed with in the background?
Hillary says
Could you omit or substitute the arrowroot powder??
Carolyn says
No, not really. You need something to emulsify it and help it thicken. You could try a little xanthan or guar gum but I can’t say for certain how well that will work.
Mareike says
The recipe sounds so yummy.
I’d like to try it but I am wondering what you could mean with “half and half”. I’m not english and asking myself the whole time from which product you take “half and half”.
Thanks in advance for your help 🙂
Carolyn says
Hi Mareike,
Half and half is a North American thing. It’s half heavy cream, half whole milk, homogenized to be the perfect cream for coffee. So you can sub half heavy cream and half whole milk.
Andi @ The Weary Chef says
I love this dip AND I love your blog name! It is so cute and very true in my case. Have a great week!
Katia says
Hi Carolyn 🙂
what kind of “chips” are also on the plate? Looks really good!
Thank you!
Carolyn says
Those are actual tortilla chips, they were for my husband! Sorry to disappoint.
Jackie says
What size is a serving? I see that three are 20 servings, but how much is one individual serving? , tthanks
Carolyn says
About 1/4 cup.
jackie says
thanks!!