Overview
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Whether you’re looking for simple ways to get your kids to eat carrot sticks or need the perfect idea for an effortless party appetizer, dips always save the day. This superhero snack is easy to prepare and can often be done without making an extra voyage to the grocery store. "With just a few ingredients that you find in your fridge and a couple of pantry staples, you can create a flavorful dip," said chef and cookbook author Jorj Morgan. If pleasing kids is your mission, Morgan suggests getting them involved in the preparation process. They're more likely to eat something new if they had a hand in creating it.
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Roasted Veggie Dip
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You can enhance any dip with a few roasted vegetables, chef Morgan said. He suggested scouring the refrigerator for leftover veggies -- garlic, onions and zucchini all work -- and then roasting them in the oven or on the stove. Add the roasted vegetables to plain yogurt, sour cream or cream cheese, throw in a few savory spices and voila -- you've got a tasty dip on your hands.
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Easy Hummus
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Hummus is typically made from chickpeas, but chef Rachel Willen said you can make an easy hummus out of any canned bean. "White beans, black beans, navy beans, kidney beans or even lentils can be made into a hummus with almost any flavor profile you can imagine," said Willen, a classically trained chef who teaches healthy cooking to adults, kids and corporate groups. Combine with oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, pepper, cumin and cayenne to taste, then throw in the food processor until evenly blended.
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Cheese Dip
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Nobody can turn away from a delicious, ooey gooey cheese dip. To create a cheese dip that'll earn rave reviews, combine chopped onions, mayonnaise and shredded cheddar cheese. You can add roasted tomatoes, hot sauce or even taco seasoning to give the cheese an extra kick. Melt in a crock pot for a few hours or bake for in a medium oven for about a half hour.
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3-Step Guacamole
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Guacamole makes the perfect dip for vegetables, crusty breads and chips. If you've got an avocado on your hands, you can make an easy guacamole in under 5 minutes. Simply mash one whole avocado and then add fresh lemon juice and salt and pepper to taste. You can stop there or embellish with chopped tomatoes, onions, garlic or peppers.
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Tuna or Chicken Dip
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If you're craving a little protein, opt for a canned tuna or roasted chicken dip. Using chicken from last night's dinner is an ideal way to use leftovers and save time. To promote effortless dipping, cut or shred meat into fine pieces. Add the tuna or chicken to a creamy base, such as sour cream or cream cheese. "Season your dip with your favorite dried or fresh herb," Morgan suggested.
bowl of crab dip with toasted crostini and lemon image by David Smith from Fotolia.com
Sweet Fruit Dip
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A sweet fruit dip makes the perfect post-dinner treat. To create a thick paste -- ideal for spreading on bread as the "sauce" of a fruit pizza -- blend a block of cream cheese with your favorite fruits. For thinner fruit dips, ideal for dipping bite-sized fruits, combine yogurt with your choice of fruit and blend thoroughly. Add nutmeg, cinnamon or a touch of vanilla for a deeper flavor profile.
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