| Whenever I plan on having guests over, I always | | | | and mix well. Cover and refrigerate at least one |
| think of various dip recipes I have. To me, a | | | | hour. |
| party is just not a party without an assortment | | | | What about those who prefer a hot dip? One of |
| of dips with a combination of both vegetable and | | | | my favorites is hot artichoke dip. Again, I've seen |
| chips to accompany the dips. | | | | many variations on this recipe. I prefer my |
| While you can certainly buy pre-made dips at | | | | artichoke dips with cheese in them. Here is one of |
| almost any market, I find dips so quick and easy | | | | my favorites: |
| to make, that I always make them myself. | | | | Hot Artichoke-Cheese Dip |
| One of my favorite dips is a cold crab dip. It only | | | | 1 can (8 1/2 oz.) artichoke hearts (packed in |
| takes minutes to make and I almost never have | | | | water, drained) 1 jar (6 oz.) marinated artichoke |
| any left over: | | | | hearts, drained 1 can (4 oz.) diced green chilies 6 |
| Crab and Cream Cheese Mold | | | | tablespoons mayonnaise 2 cups shredded Cheddar |
| 1 package softened cream cheese 1 can crab | | | | cheese |
| meat a few strands of finely chopped green onion | | | | Chop the artichokes, then place evenly over the |
| (to taste) salt and pepper to taste cocktail sauce | | | | bottom of a well greased shallow 2 quart baking |
| Mix the cream cheese, crab meat, green onions, | | | | dish. Scatter the chilies on top of the artichokes. |
| salt and pepper. Form into a mound and plate. | | | | Carefully spread the mayonnaise over the |
| Pour cocktail sauce over the dip. Serve with | | | | mixture. Sprinkle with cheese. Bake at 350° |
| vegetables or crackers. Try both mild and spicy | | | | for about 15 minutes. Serve warm. I love tortilla |
| cocktail sauces for different flavors. | | | | chips with this dip. |
| One other cold dip that almost everybody likes is | | | | This is a dip you can make ahead of time. Make |
| guacamole. I have seen many variations on how | | | | the day before serving, but do not cook. When |
| to make guacamole. This is my favorite | | | | ready to serve, cook at 350°. For 30 |
| guacamole recipe: | | | | minutes. For a "lighter" version of this recipe use |
| Guacamole 1/2 pint sour cream 1 large avocado 1 | | | | light mayonnaise and use 1 cup regular cheddar |
| teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce 1 | | | | cheese and one cup light or no fat cheddar |
| tablespoon dry minced onion 2 tablespoons lemon | | | | cheese, mixed together. |
| juice 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce | | | | These three dips are favorites when I entertain. |
| Mash avocado with fork. Add sour cream slowly | | | | Try them and see if your guests enjoy them |
| and mix until smooth. Add remaining ingredients | | | | also. |