Jalapeno Popper Dip!

I signed up to bring a sweet item and a salty item to a clothing and household item swap (a completely amazing event hosted by some positively lovely friends of mine), so what do I do but bring something I have never made before. Or tasted before. Or ever seen before. And that is why you can call me crazy.

But darn it if it wasn't a complete and total success. It tasted so good. Fellow swappers raved. One even suggested that I include the recipe in the swap. Yes. It's that good. And easy. So very easy. Next time you need to bring a dish or a dip, make this. Don't concern yourself with the fact that you've never made it before, or perhaps tasted it before. It's a surefire winner. You're gonna have to trust me on this one.

Now, if you just want the recipe, scroll down. But if you want to hear more about this swap-concept, here's information my friend Cathy included on the invite:
What is a swap?: Bring all of your past belongings that you no longer want, and swap them for things you DO want. It's that simple!

What to bring: household items, clothes, pet supplies, craft supplies, unused gift cards, packaged food, jewelry, Christmas Decorations, Holiday Decorations in general, etc. Anything you think someone might actually want!

What not to bring: anything with a gross-out factor, anything broken, anything still moving. There is no minimum and no limit to what you bring!

It's free to swap, but please bring some food or drinks to share! And bring your friends!

How it works: We'll set everything out on tables and draw numbers. First person gets to choose one item. Second person gets to choose one item, etc. Then it goes backward, where last person gets to choose one item, then second to last person, etc. This way everyone will have a chance to pick up things that they want. We do this until we get bored, then it's a free-for-all with the leftovers! Once we're done scavenging, we pack up all of the leftovers and donate them to a local charity.

Pretty amazing concept, isn't it? I ended up making out with two cute scarves, one of those fun straw dispensers (the kids will ♥ it), a new red purse, and more. If you want more information, or to be notified of the next swap, just post a comment and I'll be sure to keep you in the loop. Don't live around here? Organize one! Thanks Cath for organizing this one!

Now onto the main event: The dip. Actual recipe is below, but here's a run down:

Beat together 2 blocks of softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, Mexican cheese blend. Stir in chopped pickled jalapenos (aka nacho jalapenos). Mix well and spread into an oven safe pan or bowl.

Top it with a mix of panko breadcrumbs and more Parmigiano Reggiano.

Bake it at 375º for 20-25 minutes or until warm and bubbly. Make a tiny one for your loved one if they are not going with you. It's the key to a happy relationship. Enjoy with tortilla chips, slices of french bread, crackers, carrots, a spoon...

Jalapeno Popper Dip

Ingredients

• 2 - 8 oz. blocks of cream cheese, softened
• 1 c. mayonnaise
• 3/4 c. Parmigiano Reggiano
• 1 c. shredded Mexican cheese
• 1 - 7 oz. can of pickled (nacho) jalapenos

 Topping:

• 1/2 c. Panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 c. Parmigiano Reggiano

Finely dice the jalapenos and add to a mixing bowl. Add in the cream cheese, mayonnaise, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Mix well and spread into a small baking dish (approx. 8" x 8") or oven safe bowl. Mix together the panko and Parmesan and pour over the top of the dip. Bake in a 375º oven for 20-25 minutes or until heated through. Serve with tortilla chips, crackers, carrots, celery, french bread, etc.

Source: Adapted slightly from Buns in my Oven