Caramelized Onion Dip

The big game is coming up this weekend and I don't know about you, but football food is a must whether you're just watching for the commercials or you're a die-hard fan.  Last year I featured a few menu ideas here and here and I also have several game day favorites here so you can add this recipe to the mix.  It's a little bit time consuming, but it's so much better than the jarred or (gasp!) canned version at your local grocery.  Skip the powdered crap and make it from scratch!!  Need the recipe for the best Super Bowl Sunday ever?!  Whip up your favorite dips, build some monster sandwiches, pour half a dozen bowls of chips, and keep the beer extra cold!

2 tablespoons olive oil

3 pounds onions, halved and thinly sliced

salt and pepper

1/4 cup red wine vinegar

1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped

8 ounces cream cheese, softened

1 cup sour cream

french fried onions and paprika, for garnish

Heat olive oil in a heavy-bottomed pan over medium-high heat.  Cook onions, stirring occasionally, until soft and golden brown, about 15 minutes.  Cover and reduce heat to low.  Cook, stirring occasionally, until caramelized, about 40 minutes.

Raise heat to medium and season onions with salt.  Stir in vinegar and simmer until absorbed.  Stir in thyme and remove from heat.  Let cool.  Coarsely chop the onions.

With an electric mixer on medium speed, beat cream cheese until smooth.  Fold in sour cream and chopped onion mixture.  Season with salt and pepper.  Transfer to serving bowl, cover with plastic wrap, and chill 1 hour (or up to overnight) before serving.  Garnish with fried onions and paprika.  Serve with chips, crackers, and fresh veggies for dipping.

Recipe adapted from Martha's American Food, by Martha Stewart.