"taste of italy" seafood spread

The beautiful Gulf Coast of, FL
Updated on Nov 25, 2013

It is hard not to go crazy waxing on about this dish; it just turned out SO crazy good. A shrimp and crab-stuffed spread that is perfection smeared on a nice, crusty bread or served with crackers. Creamy horseradish powers this dish and mixes perfectly w/ the tomato and cream sauce. Oh, did I forget to mention the cream cheese and parmesan?!

prep time 20 Min
cook time 20 Min
method Bake
yield 8 (easily doubled)

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • 1 can (6 ounce) small shrimp, liquid reserved.
  • 1 can (6 ounce) lump crabmeat, liquid reserved.
  • 1/4 cup cream cheese, @ room temperature
  • 2-3 tablespoons creamy horseradish
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder or 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 1 teaspoon old bay seasoning
  • 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup half and half
  • 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce
  • - extra parmesan, for topping as desired
  • - fresh, crusty bread, toasted

How To Make "taste of italy" seafood spread

  • Step 1
    Drain your seafood and reserve liquid. Set seafood aside. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
  • Step 2
    Place a saucepan over medium heat until hot. Add olive oil to saucepan. Over medium heat, whisk in flour to create a roux. Continue stirring until smooth. While still whisking, cook for 4 minutes to get rid of floury taste.
  • Step 3
    Slowly add the reserved seafood liquid, stirring as you go. Add cream cheese, horseradish, garlic, and Old Bay seasoning. Stir well to combine. Stir in parmesan and the half-and-half.
  • Step 4
    Slowly add the marinara sauce, incorporate well into the cream sauce. Bring to near boil; add the shrimp and crab. Warm through, then transfer to medium size baking dish. Top w/ additional bit of parmesan, as desired. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until bubbly.
  • Step 5
    Meanwhile, slice and toast bread. Serve immediately w/ a utensil to dish out and spread onto the crusty bread.

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