Dip into 2019

Annabelle Beck ’19, Feature Editor

New Year’s Eve parties are a time for hanging out with families and friends, drinking sparkling juice, staying up late, and celebrating the conclusion of another great year. However, no New Year’s Eve party would be complete without some tasty appetizers and snacks. For this occasion, some of the most popular types of snacks to be had are various types of chips and dip. As we near Superbowl Sunday, it is the time to surprise your friends and family with some delicious homemade dips that will have their taste buds singing. Recreate these tasty snacks for any type of gathering, football-driven or not,  throughout this new year.

 

Guacamole

Guacamole is senior Nick Armstead’s favorite NYE appetizer. “My grandma whips up some fine guac,” he said. Most everyone loves a nice guac with some chips, but store-bought ones tend to be too salty with nothing in them but some mashed up avocados. This recipe for homemade guacamole I have used for years, and it has never failed to be my favorite guac. It is a very quick and easy dip to make and should not take more than 15 minutes. It is perfect to serve with tortilla chips, and will be sure to impress the other party goers when they want a late night snack.

The Recipe

– Two soft/ripe avocados

– ¼ of a large tomato

– ¼ cup of diced pickled radishes

– ¼ of an onion

– ⅛ tsp. Of minced garlic

–  ⅛ tsp. Salt

– ⅛ tsp. Pepper

Making it

1. Peel and de-pit the avocado, place in bowl, and mash with a fork until there are no lumps.
2. Chop the tomato and onion into very small pieces and place into bowl with avocado.
3. Add the salt, pepper, garlic, and pickled radishes to the bowl.
4. Mix all the ingredients together.
5. Serve in a decorative bowl with tortilla chips around it, and enjoy!

 

Spinach and Artichoke Dip

Senior Sam Macchiarolo enjoys this tasty dip that can be served either warm or cold on NYE each year. “I usually do not like spinach, but I love spinach and artichoke dip,” he said. This holds true for many people, as spinach and artichoke dip is a well loved and tasty snack with some crackers, or on rolls. While it may be easy to buy the cold version of this dip at the store, this warm version will be sure to impress anyone that tries it, and will be worth the time spent to make it.

Ingredients

– ½ Cup of sour cream

– ¼ Teaspoon of pepper

–  Three Minced garlic cloves

– One 14 oz. can of artichoke hearts drained and chopped

– One 10oz. package of frozen spinach (thawed and chopped)

– Two 8 oz. packages of softened cream cheese

– 1 ½ Cups of shredded mozzarella cheese

– ¼ Cup of shredded parmesan cheese

Making it

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Combine sour cream, pepper, garlic, artichokes, spinach, and cream cheese in a large bowl until well blended.
3. Add one cup of the mozzarella and two tablespoons of the parmesan cheese. Stir well.
4. Put mixture into a baking-safe dish.
5. Sprinkle the rest of both cheeses over the top.
6. Bake for 30 minutes, or until bubbling.
7. Serve hot with slices of bread, or assorted crackers.

 

Chips and Salsa

A classic chips and dip loved by many, but with a new twist. If you are the kind of person who uses the tortilla chip more as a spoon for the salsa, than something to dip in it you will be sure to be overflowing the chip with this fresh made salsa. This happens to be junior Megan Call’s favorite snack to enjoy on NYE, or any other occasion for that matter. “I love all salsas. I make sure to take advantage of the free salsa and chips whenever I go to a Mexican restaurant. I would love to know how to recreate one,” she said. This salsa will be so good, your guests will be shocked to find out that you actually made it.

Ingredients

– One 14.5 oz. can of diced tomatoes

– One 10 oz. can of diced tomatoes with green chiles

– Three cloves of garlic

– ½ An onion

– One jalapeno, seeds and membrane removed

– ½ Tbs. of honey

– ½ Cup of cilantro

– ¼ Tsp. of salt

– ½ Of a lime’s juice

Making it

1. Chop the onion, jalapeno, and garlic, and add them to a food processor.
2. Add in both of the cans of tomatoes.
3. Put in the honey, salt, and cilantro.
4. Pour in the lime juice slowly, tasting to see how much you desire.
5. Blend in the food processor for about 30 seconds, or until it reaches the desired texture.

 

Hopefully, 2019 will be a great year full of fun times with family and friends. Recreate these tasty dips for any type of occasion this year will bring: sleepovers, birthdays, movie nights, or even just to keep in your fridge and snack on throughout the week. Almost anyone will appreciate a homemade dip to enjoy anytime, and others will be very impressed that it is not store bought.

 

Photo courtesy of Simply Recipies