Crave Wednesday: Warm Caramelized Onion Dip

2017 was the year Thatbaby fell in love with Santa.  It started simply enough,  a shopping center near us was having an event, and we stopped by.  Before we went, Thatbaby told me he wasn't going to sit on Santa's lap, he wanted me there to tell Santa what he wanted.

Then we got there and Thatbaby saw Santa.  It was all I could do to contain him as he ran toward the man in red.

Thatkid took the first turn, and then it was showtime.

My heart swelled when Santa took the time to really speak with him. 

The event had other fun activities for the kids,  like cookie decorating.

Cocoa and fun inflatables.

And a train!

 Later that day we went to another event - the town's tree lighting.  Because when we Christmas,  we Christmas hard.

There was more cookie decorating,  of course,  but also snow!

 And reindeer.

And face painting.

This is where you can tell how hard my child fell for Santa.

 They got their artwork hung in a gallery. Which I must prefer to bringing it home.

Thatbaby found some photo props and wanted to dress up like Santa.

As it got later, we headed over to the trees to watch some of the performances. We found out that instead of a tea lighting, this year we'd be watching a light show.

This is also where Thatbaby spotted Santa #2, and despite having seen him earlier that morning, Thatbaby was adamant we see him again. Look at the insanely happy face!

 Not too long later we went to the Botanical Gardens and I made the mistake of mentioning Santa would be there.  Thatbaby could not stop asking when we were going to see Santa and asking where Santa was.

They made a beeline when we got there.

 After that they were content to race through the lights.

We roasted marshmallows.

 And the kids spent some time sledding.

The summer is a great time for salsa and cold dips, but winter is for Santa, sledding, and warm dips. Dips that can serve as meals on their own.  Caramelized onions don't need much added to them, but when you throw in some cheese and herbs you end up with exactly that.  A dip that served with French bread is a meal unto itself. 

Warm Caramelized Onion Dip (from Cooking Light) 

2 tsp olive oil

4 cups chopped onion

3/4 tsp chopped fresh thyme

1/2 cup light sour cream

1/3 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese

1/3 cup cream cheese

1/3 cup mayonnaise

1/4 tsp hot pepper sauce

1/4 tsp Worcestershire sauce

1. Heat a large skillet over medium high heat.  Add oil,  swirling to coat. Add chopped onion and thyme to pan, saute 10 minutes or until golden brown.
2. Reduce heat to low,  cook 20 minutes  or until onions are deep golden brown.  Remove from heat.
3. Add sour cream and remaining ingredients, stirring until cheese melts. 
4. Season with salt and pepper and serve.