Easy, Versatile Party Dips

Christmas party dips don't have to be extremely fancy or expensive. Indeed some of the tastiest of dip cost little to make. Here are some Christmas dip recipes that are actually good year round!

For one take a dozen hard cooked eggs, shell and chop finely. Mix with 2 tablespoons softened butter 2 ½ teaspoons lemon juice, 2 teaspoons mustard and a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce. Add in 2 drops Tabasco, 1 ½ teaspoons salt, a teaspoon dried minced onion, ¼ teaspoon pepper and ¾ cup mayonnaise. Mix in a blender until smooth and refrigerate at least 4-1/2 hours. Whip to soften for serving. This is even less expensive to make if you have your own hens for eggs

Another is even easier - take 2 cups cottage cheese or three 3 ounce packages of cream cheese, softened. Dice 2 cloves of garlic, ½ teaspoon and ¼ cup pickles, adding to the cheese with enough milk for consistency. You can also use garlic powder to taste. For those with a dairy source this is very inexpensive to make.

Herbed cream cheese can also be used with an 8 ounce package of cream cheese and forming it into a disk, ½ inch thick. Poke with a toothpick or fork to make shallow hole all over. Sprinkle with 3 tablespoons olive oil, ½ teaspoon each dried crumbled thyme and rosemary. Top with 2 cloves garlic that has been peeled and finely minced or sprinkle with garlic powder (not garlic salt).

An easy cold dip can be made with a cup of crab meat or tuna combined with 3 tablespoons of mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons ketchup, the juice of one lemon, ¼ cup each celery and minced black olives. Combine well and serve on lettuce leaves.

Hot cheese dip is tasty and easy when served in a small slowcooker which keeps it warm. One combines ¾ pound each cheddar and Roquefort cheese with 3 pounds butter a teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, half teaspoon dry mustard, ¼ teaspoon salt and a clove of garlic minced. Combine these with a cup of beer and melt in a double boiler or Crockpot.

Even easier - and tastier! - is a cheddar salsa dip made by melting over medium heat 4 tablespoons butter and adding 4 tablespoons flour. Cook for one minute then mix in 2 cups whole milk, a little salt a teaspoon paprika, 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese and heat until the cheese is melted. Stir in a cup salsa and serve with vegetable sticks or tortilla chips.

Christmas party recipes don't have to take endless hours and expense to do. These are easy and tasty enough to use for New Years parties as well as sports party get togethers and summer BBQs as well.