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An Easy & Delicious Dip for the Kids

I think it's never too soon to get the kids in on enjoying appetizers:  understanding the manners that are involved in eating them, and getting to know their place in a meal's line-up. During this time of year especially, kids may see an array of foods being doled out before the main course. For instance, I'm proud that both Rocco and ChiChi have discovered all kinds of cheeses -- that they can even name -- that they enjoy as "appetizers" before supper is served. And when we're having guests over, they also participate in making an appetizer or two (with our supervision).

If this sounds insane but (excuse the pun) appetizing -- to introduce your kids to a new meal course -- then here's a dip that's perfect for this time of year. It's got an inherent sweetness that the kids seem to like. And, with your help, they can participate in making it as well. It uses the adzuki bean, a sweet black bean that's quite healthy.

If you're familiar with "Hoppin' John," this appetizer basically tastes like that hearty soup -- if it were crafted into a dip. For the uninitiated, "Hoppin' John" is a "good luck" stew that's popularly served in the South on New Year's Day. The Good Luck component may just be my family's heritage, but it sure makes for a good story. Seriously, traditional "Hoppin' John" -- the soup, that is -- should contain some sort of greens:  mustard, collard, or turnip. Those are supposed to signify wealth in the New Year.

Black-eyed peas are the traditional bean you'll find in "Hoppin' John," also considered a staple for good luck. In this dip, I swapped out the adzuki, as I mentioned. And while it's a sweet black bean, it definitely also interestingly has a taste of the black-eyed pea.

Finally, you can pull this recipe together in one dish, as long as it's attractive enough to put out for guests. Serve the dip alongside water crackers or tortilla chips.


Hoppin' John Appetizer Dip
2 cups defrosted spinach (from a frozen 16 or 32 oz. bag), squeezed of excess water
1 cup parmesan cheese, plus 3 tablespoons for topping
1 egg, lightly beaten
1/2 cup reduced-fat milk
2 tablespoons brown sugar
3 slices bacon, chopped
11/2 cups adzuki beans

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
2. Place the defrosted spinach into a greased, medium-sized casserole dish (either an 8x8x2 square glass or ceramic, or similar sized oval or circle).
3. Mix in the one cup of the cheese, egg and milk with the spinach, then add in the brown sugar.
4. Fold in the bacon and beans. Don't overmix; you want the beans to retain their shape.
5. Sprinkle the remaining 3 tablespoons parmesan cheese as a topping.
6. Bake for 35 minutes, or until the dip is hot and bubbling.