🫒 Aunt Cheryl’s Olive Dip 🫒
Aunt Cheryl’s Olive Dip is a delectable appetizer, perfect for parties, gatherings, or simply satisfying your own snack cravings. This zesty dip combines the bold flavors of olives, cream cheese, and various seasonings, creating a delightful treat that’s sure to please your taste buds.
📜 History:
The exact origin of Aunt Cheryl’s Olive Dip is somewhat of a mystery, as it’s often a cherished family recipe passed down through generations. However, it’s a classic party dip that has been enjoyed for many years, making appearances at family gatherings, potlucks, and holiday celebrations. The combination of creamy and tangy flavors makes it a popular choice for those who appreciate a bit of Mediterranean influence in their snacks.
🧀 Components:
Here are the main components you’ll need to make Aunt Cheryl’s Olive Dip:
- Cream Cheese: Creamy, rich, and the base of the dip.
- Green Olives: Pimento-stuffed green olives add a briny, salty kick.
- Black Olives: Sliced black olives for a contrasting flavor and color.
- Green Onions: Adds a mild, oniony flavor and a touch of color.
- Garlic Powder: For a hint of garlic flavor without the intensity of fresh garlic.
- Worcestershire Sauce: Adds depth and umami to the dip.
- Mayonnaise: Creaminess and a bit of tang.
- Ground Black Pepper: A touch of spice to balance the richness.
👩🍳 Preparation Steps:
To make Aunt Cheryl’s Olive Dip, follow these simple steps:
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Soften Cream Cheese: Allow the cream cheese to come to room temperature to make it easier to blend.
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Chop the Olives: Drain and chop both the green and black olives into small pieces. You can use a food processor for this step if you prefer a smoother texture.
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Prepare the Green Onions: Finely chop the green onions, using both the white and green parts for added color and flavor.
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Mix Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, chopped olives, green onions, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, mayonnaise, and ground black pepper. Stir everything together until well combined.
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Chill: Transfer the dip to the refrigerator and let it chill for at least an hour. This allows the flavors to meld and the dip to firm up.
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Serve: When ready to serve, take the dip out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes. You can garnish it with some extra chopped green onions or olives for presentation.
⏱️ Time Needed:
The preparation time for Aunt Cheryl’s Olive Dip is relatively short, taking about 15-20 minutes to chop the ingredients and mix them together. However, you’ll need to factor in at least an hour for chilling in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to develop. So, in total, it takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes from start to finish.
Enjoy Aunt Cheryl’s Olive Dip as a party appetizer or a tasty snack with crackers, bread, or fresh vegetables. It’s a crowd-pleaser with its creamy, briny, and slightly tangy flavors. 🫒🧀😋
Certainly! Here are the approximate nutrition facts and some health information for Aunt Cheryl’s Olive Dip. Keep in mind that these values can vary depending on specific brands and ingredient choices:
Nutrition Facts (per 2 tablespoon serving):
- Calories: 90
- Total Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 180mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 2g
- Dietary Fiber: 0g
- Sugars: 1g
- Protein: 2g
Health Information:
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Calories: Aunt Cheryl’s Olive Dip is a relatively low-calorie snack, making it a reasonable choice for those watching their calorie intake.
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Total Fat: It contains a moderate amount of fat, primarily from cream cheese and mayonnaise. However, the majority of this fat is saturated fat, which should be consumed in moderation.
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Cholesterol: The dip is a source of cholesterol, primarily from the cream cheese and mayonnaise. Individuals with dietary restrictions may want to be mindful of their cholesterol intake.
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Sodium: The sodium content is moderately high, mainly due to the olives and seasonings. If you are on a low-sodium diet, it’s essential to consume this dip in moderation.
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Carbohydrates: The dip is relatively low in carbohydrates, which can be beneficial for those monitoring their carb intake.
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Protein: It provides a small amount of protein, primarily from the cream cheese and mayonnaise.
Overall Health Considerations:
- Aunt Cheryl’s Olive Dip is a flavorful but rich treat. While it can be enjoyed in moderation, it’s best served in small portions due to its fat and sodium content.
- To make it a bit healthier, consider using reduced-fat cream cheese and mayonnaise, and be mindful of your portion size when enjoying it.
Remember that individual dietary needs and preferences vary, so it’s important to adjust your consumption based on your personal health goals and restrictions.