Kangkong and Banana Blossoms Cheese Dip

This veggie dip makes for yummy gourmet merienda or kids' baon.

Serves 4  Prep Time 20 minutes  Cooking Time 20 minutes

1 medium (about 180 grams) banana blossom, tough outer layers removed
1/2 bar (110 grams) cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup grated Cheddar cheese
1/4 cup sour cream
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1 1/2 cups kangkong leaves, blanched, squeezed, and chopped
salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup grated melting cheese (quick-melt or mozzarella)
grilled or toasted bread slices, to serve

1  Slice banana blossom in half. Boil in water for 3 to 4 minutes or until tender. Chop into 1-inch pieces. Set aside.

2  Combine cream cheese, Cheddar cheese, sour cream, and garlic in a mixing bowl. Using an electric hand mixer or a wooden spoon, blend mixture until smooth and creamy.

3  Fold in banana blossoms and kangkong. Season with salt and pepper. Mix well.

4  Butter a 2-cup capacity baking dish. Pour mixture into the baking dish. Top with grated melting cheese.

5  Broil under a turbo broiler or in a preheated oven at 350ºF for 15 to 20 minutes or until cheese has melted and the top is lightly browned.

6  Serve with grilled or toasted bread slices.


Cost-cutting tip:  Cut down on costs by using a local substitute for high-priced imported items. There are many homegrown items or locally made versions to replace foreign ingredients without significantly changing the outcome of a dish. For instance, use banana blossoms in place of artichokes, kesong puti instead of fresh mozzarella, and queso de bola as an alternative to Parmesan cheese.

Photography by Miguel Nacianceno | Styling by Rachelle Santos

• Mabel Nov 05 2010 @ 01:48pm Report Abuse

     

  Hmm, I seriously want to try this over the weekend :)