dip

Easy Yogurt Fruit Dip

This easy Greek yogurt fruit dip recipe is made with just 3 ingredients and makes eating fruit dip with apples, strawberries and more seem like a party.

For after school snacks or on weekend playdates, my daughter and her friends were always on the lookout for any opportunity to partake of a snack. As a mom, you know I wished said snack would be healthy. So instead of pulling out a box of this or a bag of that, a platter of bites to snack on became their go-to fave.

The girls called them pupu platters. I called them peace of mind. Knowing these kids were eating good for them snacks made it that much easier to whip them up on a whim. Easy is the name of this game.

This pupu platter has fruit of every color and with a centerpiece of sweet and healthy yogurt-based fruit dip. It’s great to serve on a platter for breakfast or brunch, or take to a potluck with fruit skewers.

With just three ingredients to whisk together, you won’t waste any time making it yourself.continue to the recipe… about Easy Yogurt Fruit Dip

Creamy Avocado Salsa Verde

Avocado makes this simple, no-cook salsa verde recipe extra creamy for the perfect tortilla chip dipper or as a Mexican salsa topping for tacos, enchiladas, sandwiches, taquitos, and everything in between.

I’ve heard many a time of recipes that are deemed the magic sauce, the secret sauce, and of course, awesome sauce.

Well, this avocado salsa verde recipe is truly special, and while it is not necessarily a sauce per se, it is indeed an incredible topping and chip dipper but also makes everything it touches just that much better.

I should know. It’s made an appearance on everything from my favorite taquitos to turkey sandwiches.

And now, it’s high time you found out too.

I first had this salsa when I was on a yoga retreat in Tulum, Mexico and you can bet I made sure the recipe came home with me. Because while I’ve made plenty of salsas here on the blog, there’s always room for more.

The beauty of this no-cook salsa lies also in the fact that there’s minimal chopping involved. Simply toss all of the ingredients in the blender and whirl away.

And then, start dipping.

continue to the recipe… about Creamy Avocado Salsa Verde

French Onion Dip

This homemade French Onion Dip mixes sweet caramelized onion with Greek yogurt to make a healthy dip that’s the hit of the party.

This recipe is brought to you by Stonyfield

You see it at every party as the host tries to steer guests out of the kitchen and into the actual party. But people linger, dipping into the appetizer nibbles, and always congregating around the food.

And what’s the favorite at every party? It’s always the chips and dip. Everyone loves a dip. Because what’s not to love?

And pretty much there’s no dip more lovable than an easy, savory, French Onion Dip. It’s the gateway drug for anyone who claims they don’t like onions. It’s caramelized and sweet, and sturdy enough to take on any veggie or chip.

The only thing better? The fact that this homemade French Onion Dip tastes better because it’s made healthier with organic Greek yogurt.

continue to the recipe… about French Onion Dip

Chorizo Queso Dip with Beer and Chiles (Try It Over Fries!)

This spiced up queso cheese dip skips the fake stuff and is made with real cheese instead. Chorizo and chiles add the heat that’s then cooled down with every football lovers favorite flavoring: BEER! Serve it with chips or even better, pile it on french fries for a riff on the classic poutine.

This post is brought to you by Kroger

Football season has it’s signature trigger words ending in -ING: Passing. Scoring. Tailgating.Watching. Cheering. Drinking and eating.

But for this foodie, my favorite action word ending in -ING has been and always will be GRAZING.

At this stage in life’s game I’m miles away from being an arm-chair quarterback when it comes to tailgate snacking. Listen guys, I’m a pro. For me, it’s all about getting in the game and grazing on a little bit of this and some more of that, and bites of all of the shareable eats game days are known for.

So whether it’s a high school play-off, college rivalry, or the Super Bowl, this girl is ready to go the distance.

One of the most popular recipes to make around game day is a cheesy queso dip, and while I typically like to eat healthy, when it comes to tailgating, all bets are off, but I still want to eat real food.

Too many of the recipes I’ve seen use pasteurized cheese to achieve that creamy texture so that’s why I set out to make one that’s creamy, but still real, and loaded with flavor.

continue to the recipe… about Chorizo Queso Dip with Beer and Chiles (Try It Over Fries!)

How to Make a Healthy Tzatziki Sauce and Dip

This easy to make 5-ingredient Greek yogurt tzatziki sauce recipe is not only great with grilled meats, fish and gyro sandwiches, but makes a terrific, healthy dip for vegetables of every color.

This post is in partnership with Oikos Greek Nonfat Yogurt who has compensated me to create a recipe using their product. All opinions are my own.

Just yesterday, I happily discovered I have something in common with the famous food philosopher Alice Waters. Yep. Me and Alice Waters. It’s like we’re twins, living the same foodie ways, and it all stems from our refrigerators. Because apparently, she…like me…is a condiment junkie. Okay, so it’s a stretch, I know, but hey, when you’re 6 degrees of separation from the queen of slow food, you take what you can get.

Condiments are just as important to a dish as the dish itself. They’re the flavor builders. The meal toppers. And they’re all the things that make my mouth go “ZING!”, and that’s why tangy Greek yogurt fits really well into the condiment category for me.

Besides being a favorite part of breakfast parfaits or acting as the base to my fave afternoon bowl of fruit and nuts, nonfat yogurt does double duty in so many more ways. It subs for buttermilk to tenderize chicken, it’s a lower fat alternative to sour cream or mayo-based sauces for grilled meat and fish, and it’s my healthier stand-in for mayonnaise in any classic mayo-mixed sandwich. I even use it on my summer BLT’s.

But while yogurt is a great sub for other ingredients, there is one recipe that can not, should never, would totally not be PC to flip the tables on, and that’s to replace yogurt in the classic Greek tzatziki sauce.continue to the recipe… about How to Make a Healthy Tzatziki Sauce and Dip

Chunky Citrus Guacamole

Chunky with a citrus-ey accent or both lime and orange juice plus a hit of spice and just enough girth to make any chip happy, it’s the perfect combo to welcome some spring weather with a few salty corn chips and a nice cold beverage.

If it weren’t for guacamole serving as my avocado gateway, the jury is out on whether I would ever have become an avocado fan. Now, they’re one of my favorite things to eat, so how could it be there was a time I didn’t like them?

Just like artichokes, it wasn’t until I was in my late teens that I finally gave in to even trying avocados. I have no idea where my aversion stemmed from. Maybe I just had an aversion to fruits and veggies that started with the letter A?

There are as many guacamole recipes out there in the world as there are stars in the sky and we all have our favorite, and this chunky homemade version is mine.

My husband came up with this guacamole recipe years ago and it was one of the first recipes I published here on the blog when I announced the first issue of FoodieCrush magazine along with some of my favorite things. But after making this guacamole time and time again, my photos and this post were in need of an update.continue to the recipe… about Chunky Citrus Guacamole

Greek Turkey Burgers with Tzatziki Sauce

These light and juicy turkey burgers cooked on the grill are going Greek, with the addition of sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, feta cheese, and a creamy homemade tzatziki sauce, for a healthy lunch or dinner recipe!

This post is in partnership with Kroger

January is all about making easy swaps in the kitchen to prepare dinners that are a bit more healthful—but still cure your cravings.

I mean, I love, love, love a great quinoa salad, and I’m totally down with eating my favorite egg white fritatta nearly every day of the week. And a 10-minute salmon dinner? There’s absolutely nothing wrong with that.

But when the burger cravings strike during my New Year-mindful-mode, and I’m somehow able to harness the willpower not to make my favorite garlic burgers, I turn to this burger recipe instead.

continue to the recipe… about Greek Turkey Burgers with Tzatziki Sauce

The Best Clam Dip Recipe EVER

This irresistible and super easy clam dip with cream cheese is a beloved family recipe and the perfect party appetizer, guaranteed to knock your socks off!

It’s like we don’t want to admit we like clams. But guess what. We do.

I do. You do. We all do.

I know it, because my steamed clam recipe is one of the most popular recipes on the blog. But I mean, why wouldn’t it be? IT’S DIVINE!

I also know we all like clams because this amazingly simple clam dip recipe has been a standard in my family literally for years. Even people who think they don’t like clams LOVE THIS DIP. It’s the number one appetizer recipe I take to any family or friend get-together/party/excuse-to-eat-chips-and-dip above all others.

It’s going to rock your world. Take you to the upside down. And make you want to dip your life away.

How do I know? Because it’s been a family fave FOREVER and it’s about to become your stand-by recipe to take to every.single.function, just like it’s mine.continue to the recipe… about The Best Clam Dip Recipe EVER

Cheesy Texas Trash Dip

This favorite Mexican bean dip gets its popular flavor from taco seasoning and green chiles baked in a mix of cream cheese, sour cream, and Mexican cheese—it’s definitely a crowd pleaser!

This post is in partnership with McCormick

I have several good friends who are true Texans. They’re the kind that are proud to bear a full-blown Texas sticker on the back window of their car (Nicole). They’re also those in the group photo who throw up the Longhorns hand signal whenever a group photo is taken (Laura). It’s cute. It’s endearing. And bless their hearts, they are a proud bunch.

My sister, a Utah transplant, also lives in Texas. Houston to be exact. Home to a certain football team that just might be working their way through the playoffs and who I’m in a football viewing dippable face-off where I’m representin’ Houston.

While it’s the state that bears my sister’s address on her drivers license, after 15 plus years, I think we’ve finally convinced her and the husband that they’ll eventually be coming back home to the Wasatch front. Right Holly? RIGHHHHHT???? Mom, and dad, and I are waiting for you. Just sayin’. #throwthelonghornsignhere

But until then…continue to the recipe… about Cheesy Texas Trash Dip

Bacon Beer Cheese Dip

This ultra cheesy, irresistibly good dip made in a skillet adds everyone’s three favorite condiments to the party: bacon, beer and potato chips.

Is there such a thing as too much cheese? Or bacon? Or chips?

If you’re a fan of the blog, you know I’m a fan of the cheese. I’ve shared my tips on how to take the best photos of your grilled cheese, I’ve made over the top mac and cheese for you (again, BACON!) and I’ve even judged two grilled cheese contests, not to mention creating recipes for Grilled Cheese month every. single. April.

I should give up my hair dryer for a cheese grater so I can be a bona fide cheese head.

So when Kettle Brand Potato Chips asked if’ I’d be interested in creating a tailgating inspired recipe for fall, it simply wasn’t that much of a stretch to stick right with my theme, and go with the cheese.

Chip. Dip. SCORE!

continue to the recipe… about Bacon Beer Cheese Dip

Grilled Shrimp With Sweet or Spicy Mustard Dipping Sauce

Instead of cocktail sauce with shrimp, try Sweet Mustard with Brown Sugar and Hoisin Dip, or Spicy Mustard with Tarragon Sauce.

This post is brought to you by the makers of French’s Sweet Yellow Mustard and Spicy Yellow Mustard. I received compensation to write this post through the French’s Sweet and Spicy Influencer program. As always, thank you for reading and for supporting companies I partner with, which allows me to create more unique content and recipes for you.

There are some foods I can go without.

Bread. I love it, but I can live without it. I know, I’m an anomaly. Steak. I could live without steak. Unless it’s this one, but even then, I’d do with just a bite. And Brussels Sprouts. Even though this year I’ve become a fan, if they were eradicated from the earth, I’d still be okay.

But then there are the food cravings I can’t bear to think of losing.

Pickles. Not a chance so don’t even think about it. Pasta. That would be a toughie. Fresh veggies and a super crunchy salad. Please. Don’t make me. Chocolate. Are you crazy, girl? And mustard. You can tell me to give mayo the heave-ho, but don’t take away my favorite spicy yellow condiment, please.

continue to the recipe… about Grilled Shrimp With Sweet or Spicy Mustard Dipping Sauce

Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Cheese Dip

All of the flavors of buffalo chicken wings are packed into this easy, super creamy, ultra cheesy slow cooker dip that’s always a buffet or game day hit!

I asked. You replied. And now here I am, delivering.

When I asked you on Facebook if you’re craving a new recipe with chicken or one with cheese, some said one, the rest said the other. But most of you said, “BOTH!”

Yesterday I fulfilled your request for chicken when I delivered these chicken wings. Today I’m passing out the chips (or veggies if you please) to dig yourself deep into some serious dipping of chicken AND two kinds of cheese. In buffalo sauce. And even more cheese of the blue veined variety.

Because that’s just the kind of gal in the kitchen that I am.continue to the recipe… about Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Cheese Dip

Hot Shrimp Creamy Cheese Dip and Friday Faves

I’m finishing up my unofficial, undeclared week of delicious cream cheese dips with just one more cheesy wonder: Hot Shrimp Creamy Cheese Dip.

While I’ve been slathering my Smoked Salmon Spread on bagel crisps, and dipping chips into this Porter Caramelized Onion Dip (check out the cookbook giveaway that features it), I figured what better time than this very moment to break out a Hot Shrimp Creamy Cheese Dip.

Because I haven’t broken into the crackers yet!

continue to the recipe… about Hot Shrimp Creamy Cheese Dip and Friday Faves

Smoked Salmon Spread

Celebrations call for bites of all sizes, big, small and every other. Luckily, my Smoked Salmon Spread fits the bill no matter how big you’re craving is or the size of your eagerly awaiting mouth.

There’s a beautiful reason to add to today’s celebration, because the lovely food blogger Stefanie of Sarcastic Cooking is soon to deliver a bouncing baby boy.

Babies are not only good for nuzzling and snuggling and the reason to max out the credit card buying an exorbitant amount of needless baby gear for, but also because soon enough they turn into expert taste testers. Which comes in handy when mama is a food blogger.

Stephanie has been a kindred spirit of mine for a long time. Not just because she is a consistent supporter of other food blogs, takes mouth watering photos and develops terrific recipes for my kind of food, but also because she makes food I love to eat.

Like…

continue to the recipe… about Smoked Salmon Spread

Hot Crab Dip and Friday Faves

Yes sir! It is FRRRRIIIDAY! And that means my work is just about to begin.

This weekend will be jam packed: A photo shoot on the mountain (snow, skis and sunscreen), a video shoot with kids and dogs (what was I thinking?), green food eating—and drinking—and somewhere along the line the toilets need to get cleaned. I bet I can find volunteers for just about everything on my to-do list the above minus the last item. Which is the only one I REALLY don’t want to do. So, maybe I won’t!

Life is about living, not about toilets. It’s about dressing up dogs in funny outfits—in video shoots with kids. Oh, poor Pippa. And who is the tween who took over my daughter’s room and threw-up teen dreams all over it? That’s why you spend time living, not doing toilets, because it goes way, way too fast.

How did a week go by, or maybe even two, where I haven’t posted a recipe with cheese? Let’s remedy that toot sweet. And how about we add some crab? Now there’s an idea.

I’m heading to a St. Paddy’s day party on Sunday and will be taking my Stout Brownies, as requested, but thought I better bring a little something more in hand besides my green chardonnay.continue to the recipe… about Hot Crab Dip and Friday Faves

Cheesy Chorizo Caramelized Onion Dip Recipe

Boys will be boys. And boys like football. And cheese. And sausage.

My husband, like so many guys out there and quite a few ladies with a penchant for competition, is a big football fan.

He isn’t as nutty as some dudes out there who are obsessed with their Fantasy Football leagues or who lay down hard-earned cash on the spreads in Vegas. And you won’t find him sporting his favorite team’s football jersey other than on the occasional game day. But you will hear him yelling very naughty, naughty words at the T.V. when a bonehead referee makes a bad call—or at least a call against his team.

Yes my husband is a fan. But my dad…oh my dad. HE is THE fan. Over the years he’s been known to be somewhat obsessive with his viewing pleasures. continue to the recipe… about Cheesy Chorizo Caramelized Onion Dip Recipe

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