Warm Piquillo and Crab Dip

4 servings

1 pound lump crab meat
¼ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup crème fraiche
2 tablespoons chopped flat-leaf parsley
2 tablespoons snipped chives
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
¼ pound Manchego cheese, shredded (1 cup)
One 9-ounce jar piquillo peppers, drained and cut into strips

Preheat the broiler.  In a bowl, combine the crab, mayonnaise, crème fraiche, parsley, chives, mustard, lemon juice and ¾ cups of Manchego.  Spread in an 8-by-112 inch baking dish.  Top with piquillos and sprinkle with remaining Manchego.  Broil for 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the dip is heated through.  Serve hot. 
Serve with crusty bread or crostini.

-Food and Wine September 2006