Heather’s Dip

At the risk of alienating some of my readers, I should really be totally honest with all of you.  I am not a football fan.

I never know when the games are on, I certainly couldn’t tell you who was playing who, and the only football player who I can name with any regularity is Tommy Kramer, who happened to be the quarterback of the Minnesota Vikings when I was 8.  I heard his name shouted a lot when I was little, but do not recall if it was usually in exasperation or shrieked with joy.  Needless to say, my Dad is a football fan.  When we moved here to central IL we had no idea that the local University of Illinois football team even existed until we walked into church one Sunday and nearly the entire congregation was dressed in bright orange and navy blue in support of the home game that day.  Even the elderly couples who normally came to worship dressed quite formally were in khakis and orange sweater vests.  And don’t even get me started on the craziness around here during basketball season.

But what I do love about football is the food.  Brats and dogs?  Absolutely.  Chili?  Uh huh.  Chips and dip?  Yes please!  The variety of junk food, especially if a football party is pot luck, makes me giddy.  Not because I love junk food, but because I love to see what people bring.  I love appetizers so a random conglomeration of finger food is right up my alley.

Even though I did not first eat this dip at a football or basketball viewing event, it tastes like it belongs there.  Its cheesy, gooey, salty, and is eaten with Fritos.  Need I say more?  Do not be alarmed by the RoTel in this dip.  There is only a bit of heat, as the spiciness is tamed by the other ingredients.  I have seen a one year old eat this dip with a spoon so it is kind of a guaranteed crowd pleaser.  I call it Heather’s Dip because she is the lovely woman I got the recipe from.  It is her recipe and it is a lot shorter than calling it something like Hot Creamy Cheesy Dip With Ham.  Call it what you like as long as you bring the recipe with you to your next Superbowl party.  Because people will ask you for it.  You will for sure enjoy the food.  Even if you don’t know the score!One Year Ago: Roasted Pumpkin Seeds

Heather’s Dip
Leftovers, if there are any, can be gently reheated in the microwave.

1-8 oz block cream cheese
1 c sour cream
2 c shredded cheddar cheese
1 can RoTel, drained
6 slices, thinly sliced deli ham, diced into small squares
Fritos, bagel chips, or other dip delivering device

Mix all ingredients-minus the Fritos-in a bowl with a hand mixer until incorporated.  Microwave for several minutes, stirring after each minute, until melted and smooth.  Serve with Fritos.  Alternatively, pour the dip into a small casserole dish and bake at 350 until melted and bubbly.