Homemade Dip Recipes

Summer is filled with barbecues, beach parties, pool side lunches and golf outings. The appetizer tends to set the mood for the entire affair. So if your appetizer is boring, will your party be boring? Who wants to find out? Here are several great recipes for homemade dips that can be served with a variety of salty crackers, fresh veggies and crunchy chips.

Just about everyone loves Salsa. Of course, you can go to the grocery store and purchase it in jars, but it just doesn't have that freshly made taste that you get at your favorite Mexican Restaurant. Why would you want to serve your guests something that had been on a grocer's shelf for who knows how long, when you can make it yourself in less than 10 minutes? You don't even have time to go to the store in that length of time!

Homemade Salsa

1 (28 oz) can whole Tomatoes (do not drain)
or 2 pounds of fresh tomatoes, peeled
1/2 medium sized onion
1 Tbsp. Garlic Powder
1 tsp. onion slat
1 Tbsp. Cilantro
1 or 2 whole jalepeno peppers

Put all ingredients into food processor and chop until they reach your desired consistency.

Summertime means fresh fruit. Apples are usually in abundance, and you have so many varieties to choose from. Red and Golden Delicious, Granny Smith or Cameo Apples are all great with this sweet dipping sauce that will have your guests begging for your secret recipe.

Butterscotch Apple Dip

1 can (14 oz) Sweetened Condensed Milk
1 cup butterscotch flavored chips
1/4 tsp salt
2 tsp vinegar
1/2 tsp. cinnamon

In heavy saucepan over low heat, combined sweetened condensed milk, chips and salt. Cook and stir until candy melts. Remove from heat and stir in vinegar and cinnamon. Mix well. Serve with apple wedges.

Regardless if you're getting your fresh vegetables from the supermarket, the farmer's market or straight out of your own garden; celery, cherry tomatoes, carrot sticks, cucumer slices, bell peppers and yellow squash all make excellent dippers for this light, creamy treat.

Dill Dip

1 pint sour cream
1 pint mayonnaise
1 medium onion, grated
3 tsp. parsley
3 tsp. dill weed
3 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 tsp. salt

Mix all ingredients together and chill for at least 1 hour before serving.

Who needs plain cheese dip with you can have something unique? This definately fits the bill. It's quick and easy, and will make your guests or your family think you've slaved in the kitchen for hours, when in reality it takes less than 20 minutes to prepare. Stick in the fridge the night before, and you're ready to go!

Party Cheese Dip

1 (2 lb.) box of Velveeta Cheese
1 (8oz) pkg. Cream Cheese
1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
1 cup salad olives, chopped
1 cup pecans, finely chopped
1/2 cup mayonnaise

Let cheeses soften. Combine cream cheese with pineapple. Work in all other ingredients and then chill overnight.
This is great with Ritz Crackers.

Fiesta! It means Party in Spanish...and that's certainly what you'll have when you serve this spicy little recipe.

South of the Border Dip

1 pound hamburger meat, browned and drained
1 package taco seasoning
1 can tomato soup
1 can Rotel tomatoes and peppers
1 pound Velveeta Cheese
1 can corn
1 cup cooked Rice

Add all ingredients together and mix well. Serve warm with Tortilla chips or Slices of toasted garlic bread.

Summer is coming...let's get this party started!