Monday, December 21, 2009

Chive, Mascarpone, and Pine Nut Dip

In the middle of a cookie baking frenzy, I needed to think of something in the appetizer category to take to a holiday party. I had some mascarpone in the refrigerator that I bought for another purpose and ended up not using, so my search started with that ingredient. I found this dip on Epicurious and was won over by the swirl of chive oil in it. I had high hopes that the bright green oil would make a festive-looking dip, and it sounded delicious. The chive oil was actually folded into what was a rather thick dip instead of simply being drizzled and swirled as I imagine. The marbled look I had in my mind's eye didn't really come to fruition, but I got over that as soon as I tasted the dip.

First, chopped chives were pureed in olive oil with a pinch of salt. That puree was left to sit in the refrigerator for an hour before it was poured through a sieve to remove the chive solids. Then, pine nuts were toasted in the oven while crostini crisped. The pine nuts were chopped once cool. Mascarpone and cream cheese were to be whisked together, but given the thickness of that mixture, I opted to use a hand mixer instead of a whisk. I changed the recipe by adding a minced shallot to boost the onion flavor, and that was incorporated into the mascarpone mixture. Next, the chopped pine nuts were added. Last the chive oil was poured over top and not too thoroughly folded into the dip so that splotches of green were visible.

This was well-liked at the party, even Kurt let me know that it was really good, but sadly, I only had a small taste of it. That's why I'm already planning on making it again just for us to enjoy at home. The flavor of the chive oil is lovely, but I was glad I added the shallot as well. I'll definitely repeat that addition when I whip up another bowl of it.




18 comments:

  1. Now this sounds yummy and the perfect side to take to a dinner party. I must remember it, as I'm going to several in the upcoming weeks and want to add a bit of diversity! Thanks for sharing.

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  2. What a gorgeous dip! So flavorful!

    Cheers,

    Rosa

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  3. Looks very tasty. definitely a dip I'd serve at a gathering or party. Heck, I'd even eat this for dinner. Just pass me some crusty bread and I'll be good to go.

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  4. Great dip, this would make the most fabulous bruscetta!

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  5. This looks gorgeous Lisa. I love mascarpone and I love chives, so this must be a great combination for a good side dish!

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  6. Your posts have always made me so excited and eager to try the recipe out! This is also a perfect spread!

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  7. I love learning party food ideas, your dip is so wonderful, must try! Thanks for the link!

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  8. i need to get some mascarpone and play around with it--i just don't have enough experience with it! this looks like a great concoction, and the pine nuts on top are my favorite part. :)

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  9. Oh this dop sounds so flavourful and perfect on bruscheta, on pita or even crackers.

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  10. A delicious dip with pine nuts! Such a great party idea!

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  11. What a delicious sounding combo! I've been trying to come up with easy appetizers to make all day. This is going on the list!

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  12. This dip does look festive, even though I don't like chives! :D

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  13. Sounds easy to make. Would love to try it.

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  14. What a tasty and chunky looking dip. I love chives and pine nuts, love the combi :)

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  15. long time eh? was on my vacation! this is looking soooo pretty :)addition of pine nuts is the part i love most! thanx for sharing and have a very happy holidays lisa!! merry Christmas!!

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  16. Fabulous looking recipe. This will go over big time in my household...

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  17. Oh no, that's the worst when you only get a few bites! Your dip looks so unique and delicious!

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  18. I'm putting together a sample menu for a swanky Super Bowl party and this is absolutely going onto it. Beautiful as always. Thanks for sharing.

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