Food Mamma

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dips

spinach dip

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My little guy turned two last week. Two! He is so precious, always ready to greet everyone with his mischievous smile.

Normally, I plan out birthday parties weeks in advance, giving me lots of time to prep and plan. This time, I decided to do a very last minute gathering for our family and close friends.  Not having the luxury of time, I needed to do things that didn’t require a lot of effort.

This spinach dip is a crowd pleaser and takes just a few minutes to throw together. You do need to make this the day before though, allowing the dip to chill overnight.

Put the dip into a bread bowl and serve with bread, crackers or veggies and voila, an easy but delicious appetizer. I’ve been making this dip for years and it is always a hit!

Spinach Dip

2 cups sour cream
1 cup mayo
1 package chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
1 package dry vegetable soup  mix

Combine all the ingredients together. Chill overnight. Serve in a hollowed out sour dough bread loaf.

5 dips for your grey cup party

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The Grey Cup is this weekend and the Calgary Stampeders will be playing! Whether you’re into football or not, it’s a great excuse to have a party. Here are some great dips that will make your football party a success. Go Stamps Go!

Salsa and Chips
A must have at any sports party!

Roasted Red Pepper Dip
This one seems to make an appearance at most of our family parties.

Hot Spinach and Artichoke Dip
Ooey, gooey, cheesy…need I say more?

Jalapeno Hummus
Delicious with a kick.

Lemon Curd
A citrus dip for your fruit and cookies, perfect for dessert.

spicy ranch roasted red pepper dip

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While playing in the kitchen once again with the ranch dressings from Hidden Valley Ranch, I thought it would be fun to makeover one of our regulars – roasted red pepper dip.  The addition of the Spicy Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing added a punch and made the beloved dip even better! The dressing provided just the right amount of heat and tang.

Spicy Ranch Roasted Red Pepper Dip

1 red pepper
1 tsp garlic, minced
2 TB Hidden Valley Spicy Ranch
1/4 cup mayonnaise
salt
pepper
olive oil

Quarter the red pepper and place on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, salt and pepper and roast in a 400 degree oven for 15 minutes. At this point, you can remove the skin, but I prefer to leave it on.

In a blender, blend together the garlic and roasted red pepper. Add the Spicy Hidden Valley Ranch dressing along with the mayonnaise and blend a final time.

hot spinach and artichoke dip

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One of my favourite things to order when out with friends is spinach and artichoke dip.  The warm dip and the ooey gooey cheese just begging to be picked up with a tortilla chip.  Mmmm.  What better opportunity to try making this dip than for our appetizer party.  I searched for a recipe online and was drawn to this one since it was a lighter version.  With all that cheese, one would never know that it was a healthier option.  The dip was a hit, even with the kids.  Also turned out to be a great late night snack!

Hot Spinach and Artichoke Dip
Adapted from Gina’s Skinny Taste 

1 can artichokes, drained
1 pkg frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed
1 small onion, chopped
1 heaping TB minced garlic
1/2 cup greek yogurt
1/2 cup mayo
2/3 cup parmesan
1 cup mozzarella
salt
pepper

Preheat oven to 375°.

In a small food processor, coarsely chop the artichoke hearts with the garlic and onions.

Combine all the ingredients in a medium bowl. Place in an oven-proof dish and bake at 375° for 20-25 minutes, until hot and cheese is melted. Serve hot.

jalapeno hummus

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With my sister-in-law’s wedding coming up next month, we took the time last week to celebrate with a bridal shower.  It was a wonderful afternoon with her close friends and family spoiling the bride-to-be.  I think no party is complete without a great dip, so we made sure there were two.  I made my usual Roasted Red Pepper Dip.  I also made hummus which was served with mini pitas. 

A couple months ago, hubby was obsessed with a jalapeno hummus we had at a party so we made a few batches, trying to perfect the recipe.  This is the recipe which we came up with, although I did leave out the jalapeno for the party.  It’s easy peasy and perfect with bread or veggies.

Jalapeno Hummus

1 28-oz. can chick peas
1 cup yogurt
3 cloves garlic
1 TB tahini
zest of one lemon
1/2 lemon, juiced
1 jalapeno, seeded and chopped

Dump everything in a food processor and blend until combined. 

the famous roasted red pepper dip

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I started making the roasted red pepper dip about 4 years ago.  I had just gotten married and was excited to be hosting parties in my new home.  The dip, which is so easy to prepare, got rave reviews and soon became my signature dip.  Rarely is there a party at my house without the famous roasted red pepper dip.  Served in a red pepper or a simple dish, it is the perfect accompaniment to veggies or grilled crostini.

Roasted Red Pepper Dip
1 red pepper
3 cloves of garlic
2/3 cup of mayonnaise
salt
pepper
olive oil

Quarter the red pepper and place on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, salt and pepper and roast in a 400 degree oven for 15 minutes. At this point, you can remove the skin, but I prefer to leave it on.

In a blender, drop in the garlic and blend. Add the red pepper and blend again. Add the mayonnaise and blend a final time. Ready to eat!