Fried Clams with Gaahlicky Blue Cheese Dip

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3 quarts vegetable oil

1 cup yellow cornmeal

1 tablespoon Essence, recipe follows

3 dozen soft-shelled clams, such as Ipswich, shelled and cleaned

10 lemon wedges

Gaahlicky Blue Cheese Dip, recipe follows

Essence:

2 1/2 tablespoons paprika

2 tablespoons salt

2 tablespoons garlic powder

1 tablespoon black pepper

1 tablespoon onion powder

1 tablespoon cayenne pepper

1 tablespoon dried leaf oregano

1 tablespoon dried thyme

Gaahlicky Blue Cheese Dip:

1 cup sour cream

1/2 cup heavy cream

1/4 cup finely chopped yellow onions

2 tablespoons minced garlic

8 ounces blue cheese, crumbled

2 teaspoons hot sauce, or to taste

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon cayenne