Cancer Wellness at Piedmont Chef Nancy Waldeck prepared a healthy version of Vidalia onion dip for a cooking class in front of a live audience. Aromatherapy is an important part of cooking and eating because scent can help us fully enjoy the robust flavors in our food.

By focusing on aroma and adding healthy, flavorful ingredients (like onions or herbs) to your diet, you will need fewer high-calorie ingredients (such as cream, cheese and butter) to make your food taste better.

Serve this dip with veggies or chips or as a sandwich spread.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of water

• 1/2 cup of white vinegar

• 1/2 cup of agave nectar

• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt

• 4 cups of chopped Vidalia onions

• 1/2 cup of light olive oil or canola oil mayonnaise

• 1/2 cup of nonfat Greek yogurt

• 1 teaspoon of celery seeds

• 1 dash of hot sauce

• 1/2 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce

In a saucepan on high heat, bring the water, sugar and vinegar to a rolling boil. Put the onions in a large bowl and pour the vinegar mixture over them. Place in the refrigerator for at least eight hours or overnight.

The next day, drain the liquid from the onions and add mayonnaise, yogurt, celery seeds, hot sauce and Worcestershire sauce. Serve this dip at your next party, or keep it in the refrigerator for snacks and sandwiches.

For more information about this and other classes, visit Cancer Wellness at Piedmont.

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