Hot Crab Dip in a Lemon-Garlic Baguette
You guys, HOT YOGA.
Remember how I told you I was trying out hot yoga? Well it’s time for an update, because it turns out hot yoga is amazing. And listen, I know that usually when you hear someone say a workout is amazing, you just dismiss it ’cause that person also likes running and burpees and other horrible things, so what if they’re trying to trick you?! But I ate queso for dinner and am stuck at the “couch” phase of the Couch-to-5K program, so you can trust me.*
*Note: I have plenty of those fitness-fiend friends, so I promise my suspicion of them is in jest. Mostly. But I do start to wonder when they drink kale.
Anyhow, I think I made it clear in my last yoga post that I have no idea what I’m talking about, but I’ll just tell you what I’ve experienced so far. First of all, I’m getting bendier and better at the poses with every passing class. Okay, there was that one time my yoga teacher almost lost it because after flailing around in an awkward interpretive dance trying to get my arms back into eagle or aardvark pose or whatever, I finally just slapped them together with a huff. But we’ll ignore that time. My “bow” pose felt especially bowy today, so that’s good enough for me.
I’ve also noticed that after class, my skin looks even-toned and super glowy. And not just glowy from the copious amounts of sweat, either, because it’s noticeable even after I’ve showered. I also look more muscular and toned after just the 3-4 classes I’ve done so far, which is so quick to see results! Part of it may be that losing water weight and bloat makes it easier to see your muscle definition, but my muscles really do feel stronger and more pronounced. I try to drink water consistently for the whole day before and after class to ensure I’m not just getting dehydrated.
Another great thing I’ve noticed is that you feel so flippin’ good after a hot yoga class. Class is intense (in a focused, strength way instead of a bouncy cardio way) and taxing, but after a shower and dinner I feel so comfortable and relaxed. It’s a similar feeling to the one you get when you go for a power swim through a cold pool and then take a warm shower and put on dry clothes. You know what I mean? It’s totally worth the work to earn that feeling.
Lastly, it’s one of the only workouts I don’t dread going to after work. I have an extremely rewarding but extremely taxing job — those of you who are teachers are givin’ me an AMEN right now. And as a project-based teacher facilitating student-led projects, I’m always on. Just this week I’ve worked through every single prep period supporting my students on an integrated project and taking my 9th graders on the career site visits they planned, meaning I’v gotten no down time during the day. Getting an exercise routine in place after work has been so hard these past couple of years. But hot yoga feels like a reward and a balm after a hard day — like something I’m doing to restore myself.
I just thought I’d share in case you’re on the fence about trying it. I think you should! I think you should also eat some Hot Crab Dip stuffed into a big, buttery Lemon-Garlic Baguette — another sign that you can trust my judgment. (By the way, I accidentally typed “Hot Carb Dip” just now. Coincidence? I think not.)
This hot crab dip is gorgeous but so easy — you just mix it and bake. The only slightly fiddly twist is making lemon salt, since it adds an extra step, but don’t skip it! It really takes this appetizer loaf to a whole new level. You just mix some citrus zest with salt and bake for a little over an hour on low heat to dry it out. It makes a perfect finishing salt for seafood dishes — and for this toasty garlic loaf stuffed to the brim with cheesy crab deliciousness. We ate this while watching the Super Bowl, but it’d be perfect for any party or gathering. Namaste!
One year ago: Insane Chili Cheese Dip
Two years ago: White Sheet Cake with Fluffy Whipped Icing
Three years ago: Cheeseburger Bāozi (Steamed Cheeseburger Stuffed Buns)
Four years ago: Carrot Cake Sandwich Cookies with Honey Cardamom Cream Cheese
Five years ago: Strawberry Walnut Ricotta Muffins
- large loaf of Italian bread (I bought a poppyseeded one!)
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- lemon salt
- 1 pound jumbo lump crabmeat, free of shells
- 1 cup grated pepper jack cheese (spring for the good stuff!)
- 3/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan (plus more shaved off for topping)
- 1/4 cup green onions, minced (plus more for topping)
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon hot pepper sauce (I used Tabasco)
- 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
- Salt and pepper
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment or foil. Use a serrated knife to slice your loaf in half lengthwise and then pull out the innards, making a mostly hollow bread "boat" out of each side. Mix the melted butter and teaspoon of garlic and brush it over the loaves, concentrating on the sides that will be exposed while baking but not neglecting the center well. Sprinkle lemon salt over the bread (maybe 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon over each), again focusing on the sides. Set this aside.
- Gently mix all crab dip ingredients together in a large bowl. Remember when salting the mixture that your bread is salted, so go easy -- you can always add more lemon salt later as a finishing step if you find you need it. Spoon it into your prepared bread and bake for 40 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through and keeping an eye on your bread. Cover it with foil if it starts to burn (mine never did.) With around 10 minutes left, top the dip with Parmesan shavings. Pull it out of the oven, let it cool for around 10 minutes, top it with fresh green onions, and serve in slices.
Sharon (Nut Free Wok)
February 4, 2015 at 2:13 am (10 years ago)This looks like so much fun to make and EAT!
Elle
February 4, 2015 at 4:21 am (10 years ago)You summed up PERFECTLY how great hot yoga is, and how great you feel afterwards. Okay, it’s not for everyone, but I have become addicted and go 3 times a week. Love it. And love that dip recipe – really want to try this on the weekend 🙂
Taylor @ Food Faith Fitness
February 4, 2015 at 7:41 am (10 years ago)Hot yoga is TOUGH! Good on ya for doing it!
Ad this dip sounds SO good! Loving that cheesy, warm goodness! Pinned!
amanda @ fake ginger
February 4, 2015 at 8:28 am (10 years ago)Now I really, really, really want to try hot yoga! Also, I really want to try this dip!
REnee @ Two in the Kitchen
February 4, 2015 at 8:49 am (10 years ago)This looks SO tasty!! I’ve never tried Hot Yoga, though I’ve heard great things about it!! 🙂
Julia
February 4, 2015 at 10:31 am (10 years ago)I have done hot yoga once and it was awesome but seriously hot! I need to try it again. This hot crab dip looks so darn yummy and paired with a lemon baguette–I mean!
Shinee
February 4, 2015 at 11:19 am (10 years ago)Wow, this DIP!!! Sounds amazing. I’d go to hot yoga, if someone would bring me this dip as a reward. Haha
Anna | ANNAdventure
February 4, 2015 at 11:31 am (10 years ago)I tried hot yoga and I almost died. I got heat exhaustion and spent all night shivering in cold sweat. I had to drink coconut water and Pedialite… the next day was no better I had a terrible migraine. I was okay for the first 45 minutes of class but the next 45 I should have just left. I did hydrate as recommended (even more actually because I know how much I sweat). I had my coconut water and everything but nope I didn’t make it through. I am a bit jealous because my husband was fine and he loved it… I only wish I could make it through and feel the same way. Anyways, back to your delicious post. OMG this looks SOOOOOOOO good! Mmmm can’t wait to try it 🙂
Julie Ruble
February 4, 2015 at 2:57 pm (10 years ago)GIRL WHAT! I’m so sorry!!! I will say that my class is only 45 minutes so maybe that’s why I can handle it!
Stephanie @ Girl Versus Dough
February 4, 2015 at 12:10 pm (10 years ago)I want to cozy up into that baguette right alongside the dip. So much yum! (PS not sure how ridiculously belated I am on this, but I love the site design!)
Susan@LunaaCafe
February 4, 2015 at 1:12 pm (10 years ago)LOVE crab and will definitely try this dip. In fact wish I had that baguette right now. But hot yoga? I admire you for going for it. But regular yoga for wimps is hot enough for me. 🙂
Lindsay @ The Live-In Kitchen
February 4, 2015 at 2:36 pm (10 years ago)Wow, this looks delicious and beautiful! I just started trying vinyasa flow yoga, haven’t tried hot yoga yet but you make it sound nice!
Nutmeg Nanny
February 4, 2015 at 9:01 pm (10 years ago)I want this dip right now! There is a bar in our town that make something similar and it’s my favorite!
eat good 4 life
February 4, 2015 at 10:32 pm (10 years ago)This looks sensational. I must make this soon. Loving the crab meat in this.
Krystle (Baking Beauty)
February 4, 2015 at 10:53 pm (10 years ago)This looks melt in your mouth delicious. Pinning!
Lauren
February 15, 2015 at 5:41 pm (10 years ago)Yoga is the best. Of all ways to work out, it’s definitely my favorite! Also, this crab dip looks RIDICULOUS. I feel like I need to have a party just to have an excuse to make it.