I love cheese. My partner calls me Wallace (from Wallace and Grommit) – as anything that has a bit of cheese added is tasty.
On a recent visit to my sister in Dubai I was invited to a ‘pot luck’. This is an American concept where everyone brings a plate of food to share. I was intrigued by this dish that looked like a dessert with a layer of jam, or jelly, over the top. It was served with crackers and I was told it was a dip. (It is actually more like a spread)
I gingerly took a very small amount to be polite. I came back for more and more until it was no longer polite.
I have since recreated this here in Ireland. The first time people are hesitant. When they visit again and see the dish on display there is no hesitation, just enjoyment.
With no further ado …
Bacon and cheese dip – with Jam!
- Approximately 100 grams of bacon or pancetta – I use the pre-cut pack of pancetta. Fry this really crisp so it almost crumbles.
- Grate a small block of cheese – I used Dubliner cheddar cheese and did half and half with the vintage white cheddar and the standard red cheddar for colour and texture.
- 4 spring onions or scallions chopped really fine
- mayonnaise.
- Half a jar of raspberry jam
Method:
- Fry off the bacon and shop until it is really small.
- Mix in the grated cheese and spring onion and add mayonnaise to create a stiff spread or paste.
- Pack down into a bowl and top with about 1cm of raspberry jam.
- Serve with simple crackers.
I promise you this one you and everyone else has tried it – you will go back for more.
What I really love about this dip is every time I make it I think of my sister and the lovely friends I have made in Dubai. I also love watching people enjoy it.
Thanks for reading, for cooking and for sharing!
Kerry x
p.s. This isn’t a sponsored post but it is an entry into the #DublinerChallenge
