Add a Flavorful Dip to the Party
February offers many opportunities for hosting watch parties - including the Superbowl, Grammy Awards, Oscars, March Madness, and more! This year we also have the Winter Olympics starting on February 6. These occasions are perfect for a grazing spread to be enjoyed throughout the night and my mind immediately goes to dips. Dips are a great opportunity to incorporate bold and unique flavors, bring back retro recipes, and have fun with your food!
I’ll be hosting a dips, drinks, and desserts party later this month and can’t wait to see what all the guests contribute. What would you make? Share your recipe or idea here. I’m going to put all the ideas together for a party guide.
Below are two quick and easy dip recipes that you can add to your table or bring to a party any time. They are budget friendly, easy to make, and endlessly customizable to your tastes.
Quick and Easy Pumpkin Cream Cheese Dip
This is a great option for when you need a quick and easy appetizer that looks great! This is endlessly customizable to the ingredients you find in your pantry.
Ingredients
8-ounce block of cream cheese, softened to room temperature
2-4 tablespoons of milk
Approximately 1/4 cup Pumpkin Butter
Pomegranate molasses to drizzle
Roasted pumpkin seeds, to sprinkle on top
Instructions
Add cream cheese to a medium bowl
Use a hand mixer to whip cream cheese, adding milk 1 tablespoon at a time until a scoopable consistency is reached
Spread cream on a serving platter, smoothing with a spatula or spoon so that the middle is slightly lower than the edges
Top with a generous amount of pumpkin butter
Drizzle with pomegranate molasses
Sprinkle with pumpkin seeds
I served it with cranberry hazelnut crackers, pumpernickel pretzels, and apple slices
Note: You can switch up the flavors! Try apple butter with spiced nuts and caramel drizzle. Or fig jam with a balsamic drizzle. How about tomato jam with basil oil and pine nuts? The possibilities are endless!
Tomatillo Guacamole
This is an all-time favorite in my kitchen. In my 20s I started bringing this whenever I was invited to a friend’s house for a get together. Sometimes I would even take my mini food processor along and make it ‘tableside’! This can be customized to your taste and adds a burst of flavor to any dish you pair it with. Dip chips, top enchiladas, add to sandwiches, and more! Scale up the recipe depending on the size of your crowd.
Ingredients
2 medium sized tomatillos, husks removed, rinsed well, and quartered
1/4 cup onion, cut into large pieces
Lime juice (1/2 of a lime)
1 avocado
1 teaspoon cilantro
Jalapeno or hot peppers, Optional
Salt
Instructions
Place all ingredients, except salt, into a food processor
Pulse until smooth (or desired consistency)
Pour into serving bowl, add salt to taste
Note: You can make this with raw or roasted tomatillos. To roast, place in 400 degree for 10-15 minutes.