Spicy Oscar Party Recipes: Hot Jalapeno Crab Dip

— -- Ingredients for Jalapeno Crab Dip:

1 lb. lump crabmeat, picked over for shells and cartilage1 tsp. chopped garlic1/2 cup chopped pickled jalapenos1/4 lb. Monterey Jack cheese with jalapenos, grated 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce1 tsp. hot sauce 1/2 tsp. salt 1/2 cup mayonnaise (homemade or store bought) 2 oz. Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, grated1 recipe Toasted Croutons

Ingredients for Toasted Croutons:

1 loaf French bread (about eight inches in diameter and 15 inches long), ends trimmed and cut crosswise into 1/4-inch thick slices5 tbsp. olive oil1/4 tsp. salt1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

Ingredients for Mayonnaise:

1 large egg 1 tbsp. Creole or whole-grain mustard1/2 tsp. salt1 tbsp. fresh lemon juice1 cup vegetable oil

Instructions for Toasted Croutons:

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Arrange the bread slices on the baking sheet and brush them with half of the olive oil, then sprinkle them with 1/8 tsp. of the salt and 1/8 tsp. of the black pepper. Turn the slices over, brush with the remaining oil, and sprinkle with the remaining 1/8 tsp. each salt and pepper.

3. Bake for about six minutes, then turn the baking sheet around in the oven to ensure even browning. Bake until the croutons are lightly browned, about six minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool completely before serving.

Instructions for Mayonnaise:

4. Combine the egg, mustard, salt, and lemon juice in a food processor or blender and process until smooth, about 15 seconds. With the motor running, pour the vegetable oil through the feed tube in a slow, steady stream. Cover and chill for one hour in the refrigerator before serving. Best if used within 24 hours.

Instructions for Jalapeno Crab Dip:

5. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

6. Combine the crabmeat, garlic, jalapenos, Monterey Jack, Worcestershire, hot sauce, salt, and mayonnaise in a medium-size mixing bowl. Toss gently to mix. Spoon the mixture into a medium-size shallow baking dish. Sprinkle the cheese evenly on the top of the crabmeat mixture.