Do you need a great clam dip recipe? Clam dip combines clams, sour cream, cream cheese, and/or cottage cheese and seasonings, to create a creamy dip that is usually served with chips, crackers, or vegetables. Read on to learn how to make clam dip.

It's alleged that the first formal recipe for clam dip was published by Kraft Foods in the 1950's. The recipe was disclosed on a broadcast of Kraft Music Hall, and was so popular that the stores in New York City were said to have run out of canned clams overnight.http://www.azcentral.com/style/hfe/food/articles/2008/07/09/20080709dips0709.html The Facebook fan page for clam dip states that it's rumored "that in 1956 the National Potato Chip Institute voted Clam Dip “"The dip most likely to succeed."" http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?uid=159658881252&topic=11653 This 1950's classic dip is very easy to put together to serve as an appetizer; just make sure to plan ahead, as for best flavor the dip needs to chill for several hours before serving.

The recipe calls for canned clams, which are usually sold in 6.5-7 ounce cans. You can substitute fresh clams, if desired, if you have access to fresh clams and have the time to cook and clean them. Make sure they are chopped finely, and cool before adding to the dip. If using canned clams, drain the before using, reserving the juice for clam chowder or fish stock.

• 1 - 16 once container of sour cream or cream cheese
• 2 cans of chopped clamshttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NVyJjS-0YEA
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons onion , minced
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire saucehttp://southernfood.about.com/od/seafoodappetizers/r/bl30202k.htm
• 1/2 teaspoon white ground pepperhttp://www.grouprecipes.com/37048/original-clam-dip.html
• A few drops of hot sauce to tastehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NVyJjS-0YEA

1. Combine all ingredients in a serving bowl.
2. Blend well.
3. Refrigerate for 2-3 hours, or overnighthttp://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/fea/taste/easyrecipes/stories/DN-nf_rec_clamdip_0730liv.ART.State.Edition1.1ca1f08.html
4. Taste for seasoning, and add additional salt, onion, or Tabasco sauce if needed
5. Serve with potato chips, crackers, or vegetables for dipping.

1. Replace half of the sour cream with cream cheese beat the sour cream and cream cheese with a mixer until smooth, then add the remaining ingredients.http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?uid=159658881252&topic=11653
2. Substitute cottage cheese for the sour cream. Small curd cottage cheese works best.
3. Add 1/2 cup chopped scallions instead of the minced onion.
4. Add 1/2-1 teaspoon of horseradish for an extra kickhttp://www.facebook.com/topic.php?uid=159658881252&topic=11653