Delicious Dips for any Get Together

Our family loves to whip up appetizers – more specifically…yummy dips.
I understand that dips are supposed to be saved for those special occasions, but why wait for special occasions when they are so easy?

I have mastered healthier, low fat options by substituting low fat cheeses, sour cream, and always adding twice as many fresh vegetables (if the recipe calls for it).
While making dips, learning to experiment with flavors has been a fantastic way to encourage my children with their culinary creativity.

We have been spending lots of time with family this week and there is nothing that rekindles memories of yesteryears more than a family recipe. When I first met my husband, I remember being served this Southern caviar dip whenever we would visit. My mother in law has passed away, but the tradition continues as my sister in law always makes this for our family get-togethers. I just found out this week where the recipe originated from decades ago, and how their family began serving it. Do you know the origin of favorite family recipes? If not, find out, and pass the recipe down through the generations…with the story.

Southern Caviar (recipe passed from GA to MN to WI and then to NC)

No guilt with this recipe…just flavor and sheer garden goodness. This did NOT look like a dip I would enjoy when I first saw it, but one bite and I was in love.

• Tall can of black eyed peas (rinse and drain)
• One can of shoe peg corn (drained)
• 3-4 green onions (chopped)
• 1/4 onion (chopped..red onion is delicious as well)
• 1/3 of a green pepper (I love to add yellow and red as well)
• 2 tomatoes (chopped)
• 1/4 cup Italian dressing (or more til desired consistency)
• 2 Tbs chopped jalapenos (or more to taste)

Mix well and chill. Serve with Frito Scoops

Beer Dip

Considering I am in one of the Beer Capitals of the World right now (WI), I wouldn’t be right not to share a true Wisconsin dip. The irony here is that I don’t drink ANY beer – never had, never will and I don’t like the taste one bit. Yet just a dash of beer mixed into this recipe adds an unbelievably unique flavor. It is so yummy, makes a ton for a get together, and whips up really fast! Make it the night before for an even better taste. It will give the spices time to blend.

• 3 (8 ounce) packages of cream cheese (softened)
• 1 package of Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing
• 1/2 -3/4 can of beer
• 1 cup shredded cheese

Mix cream cheese, dressing, and beer til you reach your desired creamy consistency. Then mix in 1/2 cup of cheese, leaving the remaining cheese to sprinkle on top.
Serve with pretzels or scoops.

Need more ideas for cooking with large groups? How about taco dip and quick, easy homemade pizza?

Group cooking in a pinch…what do you have in your freezer? Check out my one hour experiment.

I can’t wait to see what everyone is sharing for Tasty Tuesday Parade of Foods
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Tasty Tuesday Parade of Food Participants

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