A Dip For Every Taste

Before the turkey and prior to the stuffing, the reality of the matter is that kitchens and homes bustle with hungry people.

Dip into these delicious appetizers!

With all the effort spent on making the holiday dinner perfect, spending time assembling fancy appetizers is largely, well, unappetizing.

Take away the stress and give guests something to snack on and converse over with one of these two dip recipes.

Mix ahead and serve with crackers, chips, or fresh vegetables for a delicious start to a terrific holiday or get-together.

Enjoy!

Hot Buffalo Chicken Dip

Makes approximately 5 cups

In a skillet over medium heat, combine until warmed:

2 cans (10 oz. each) chunk chicken, drained

1/2 cup pepper sauce, such as Frank’s Red Hot (add up to ¼ c. more if spicier dip is desire)

Stir in, until melted and warmed through:

2 (8 oz. each) bricks cream cheese

Then, add

1 c. ranch dressing

Transfer mixture to a slow cooker, then stir in

1 c. shredded cheddar cheese

On low heat, warm dip through. Before serving, top with an additional ½ c. shredded cheese.

***

Sweet and Spicy Dip

Makes approximately 3 cups

2 (8 oz. each) bricks cream cheese, softened

8 oz. jalapeno jelly

2 T. thinly sliced scallions

With a mixer, combine cream cheese and jelly until completely combined. Spread in shallow pie plate or bowl, smoothing the top. Garnish with scallions. Keep refrigerated.

Beth Morrow is an author, educator and co-program director at Camp Hamwi, a residential camp for teenagers with diabetes. She loves entertaining, and doesn’t need a holiday to do so. Visit her at beth@bethmorrow.com.