Blue Cheese Dip

By Paul Briand

So, concerns about the sagging economy wouldn't allow you to splurge on a nice, new and big HDTV for Sunday's Super Bowl game?

Well, here's something you can splurge on instead -- homemade Blue Cheese Dip for your Buffalo wings.

I found this recipe while trolling through a bunch of Associated Press stories one day. Once you've tried this recipe, you'll be hard-pressed to ever go back to the bottled stuff for your wings.

Ingredients
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
3 shallots, minced
1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
1 1/2 cups sour cream
1/2 cup plain Greek-style yogurt
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 3/4 cups crumbled blue cheese (such as Gorgonzola or Roquefort)
1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley
Pinch paprika

Directions
1. In a medium skillet over medium-high heat, combine the oil, garlic, shallots and mustard powder. Saute until the shallots are lightly browned and very tender, about 4 to 5 minutes.
2. Remove the skillet from the heat and let cool for 5 minutes. Stir in the sour cream, yogurt and mayonnaise. Stir in the blue cheese. Transfer to a serving bowl, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
3. When ready to serve, sprinkle with parsley and paprika.

If you really want to splurge (as you should) the recipe recommends crumbling some cooked crisp bacon onto the top. C'mon, you didn't splurge on the TV.