Happy New Year 2012! Wow! Another year and another time to celebrate life with all of its possibilities. I read a blog the other day about making each day a New Year's day with a fresh resolution to go with it - a theme or intention for the day.
The refreshing of our lives and spirits should be accompanied by culinary refreshments and goodies too, don't you think?! Entertaining our family and friends is the greatest way to welcome in 2012 and to celebrate all through the year.
Dips are very popular when served with various munchies such as cheese, cut veggies, crackers, breads, and chips. They also make great hostess gifts. You can make a batch to keep handy for the holidays and when you are invited as a guest, just fill a pretty jar and voila! A homemade edible gift!
Some of my best gift and guest dips are the two recipes below and also another for Sweet Champagne Mustard which you can get online at my Blog site. They are easy to prepare and are not an exact science. Also, they travel well and keep for at least a month in the fridge. What delicious offerings!
GREEN PEPPERCORN DIP
Green Peppercorns - one/3oz. jar, drained
Garlic - 6 cloves, rough chopped
Green Onions - one bunch chopped (both the green and white parts)
Mayonnaise - 2 1/3 to 3 cups
White Wine Vinegar - 6 TB.
In a food processor, pulverize the garlic and peppercorns. Add green onions and process until nearly smooth. Do not breathe this in - it is very potent. Stir in the mayo and vinegar. Chill and serve with crudites and crackers. Taste and if it is too strong, add more mayo. Enjoy!
BAKED ARTICHOKE DIP
Onion, 1/2 chopped
Artichoke Hearts, 1 can of UNmarinated, drained
Artichoke Hearts, 1 can of UNmarinated, drained
Parmesan Cheese, grated, 1 cup
Mayonnaise, 1 cup (or one small jar)
Lemon Juice, 1 squeeze or just shake in some lemon pepper
Salt & Pepper
Paprika (optional) or Bread Crumbs (optional)
Chop onion to be chunky in a food processor, add drained artichokes and process but keep a rough chunky texture. Pour into an oven-proof casserole and add the Parmesan, Mayo, and lemon juice. Taste, then season with salt & pepper. Sprinkle with bread crumbs and top with a sprinkle of paprika.
Bake for 45 - 60 minutes @ 350 degrees. Serve hot or at room temp. with assorted crackers or cut veggies.
ENJOY!
