Crab, Corn & Marscapone Dip

So this was a big hit. I was wondering why thousands of people on Pinterest were pinning it so fervently.  My only advice is: don't just make one batch.  The recipe suggests serving with crostini. I used plain water crackers. (Warning: this stuff is like crack.)

Crab and corn dip
1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 shallot, minced (I used two)
1 ear yellow corn, kernels and milk removed from cob (I used two)
2 garlic cloves, minced
8 ounces lump crabmeat
1/4 cup mascarpone, softened
1/4 cup Monterey Jack, grated (I used cheddar)
1 teaspoon hot sauce (I used a mixture of Worcester and Sciracha)
2 tablespoons chives, thinly sliced
1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons panko breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons Parmesan, finely grated
2 tablespoons butter, softened
Salt and pepper to taste

1. For dip: Place crab in a mixing bowl and set aside. Pour oil into a small sauté pan and place over medium-high heat. Add shallots and sauté for 2 minutes. Add corn and continue to sauté for 3 to 4 minutes. Add garlic and stir together. Cook for 1 minute and season with salt and pepper.
2. Pour corn mixture over crab and add mascarpone, Monterey Jack, hot sauce, chives and 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs to the mixing bowl.
3. Gently fold ingredients together, until just combined. Season with salt and pepper. Pour mixture into a (1-1.25 quart) baking dish.
4. Place remaining panko and Parmesan into a small bowl and stir together. Sprinkle mixture evenly over dip and dot top with softened butter.
5. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes at 375F or until baked though and golden brown. Serve hot with crostini (or plain water crackers).

Image via: HGTV