99 44/100% Pure Love Dip

Pure love. Baby, it’s pure love.

Milk and honey and Captain Crunch

And you in the morning.

That’s what went through my mind the first time I tried the most delectable dip at the Austin, TX, HEB Central Market. It’s name is… are you ready for it??? Love dip.

I don’t know why it’s called Love dip. It could be because it’s pink like a Valentine’s heart. Or it could be because it has such a faithful drove of worshipers. Whatever the reason, I am in love with it.

It was my indulgence when I went to Austin. I looked forward to it, and I didn’t share with anyone. I would get my very own container. They make it fresh, in store, so there was always more to be had. Regular HEBs do not carry it. So imagine my excitement when a big new HEB opened near my old home in Cypress. They had a Café On The Run, and yes, they made Love dip.

So I had a brief affair with my Love (dip), but then I moved away. Alas, I have my small local HEB but no longer can I get my Love (dip).

After prowling the web and asking around for their recipe (which they would not give), I found that it would be easier to elicit Houdini’s secrets from beyond the grave than to get an HEB chef to divulge the recipe for this delicacy. But alas, hope was found in an article from the Houston Chronicle. A recipe entitled “Mock Love Dip” caught my eye from the archives. So after a little experimenting with their recipe, I came up with my own adaptation. I think I’ve found my Love (dip).

99 44/100% Pure Love Dip

8 oz. reduced fat cream cheese

¼ cup salsa

2 cloves garlic

2 tarragon leaves

1 tablespoon cilantro     

¼ teaspoon cayenne

¼ teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon pepper

Set the cream cheese out about 30 minutes ahead to soften.

Just enough time to read a favorite magazine or polish your toe nails.

Throw all ingredients into a food processor and process until it’s all nice and smooth and pink.

I know you won’t be able to control yourself. Go ahead and grab a cracker or tortilla chip. Taste it.

Swoon!

Now get a hold of yourself and put it in the fridge for at least an hour. It’ll be even better tomorrow.

If it lasts that long.

Keep lovin' and keep cookin'!