As a caterer, I’m often asked by friends and clients which easy dishes they should add to their repertoire, especially for entertaining. I always recommend learning a few hot dips because they’re the type of thing that just about everyone likes but almost no one makes at home.

This Cheesy Roasted Red Pepper Dip from Le Gourmet TV dip fits the bill perfectly, and on a cold day like today, I can’t think of anything I would rather eat while sweating near the wood stove. All of the ingredients are things that have long shelf lives, so they’re easy to keep stocked in the fridge and pantry for whenever the mood–or the need–strikes you.

I would be inclined to throw a big handful of lobster meat into this recipe before baking, but I don’t have the nerve to leave the house any more than absolutely necessary in this cold.

Stay warm!