"party dips" news and stories

We're doing a week's worth of dips to prepare for the SuperBowl - which hopefully will provide you with more than enough recipes (or at least some inspiration) to get you through game day - but if you want even more ideas, take a look at Party Dips! 50 Zippy, Zesty, Spicy, Savory, Tasty, Tempting Dips. This short cookbook covers a wide range of dips and ideas for different foods that need dipping, aside from the obvious carrot sticks and potato chips.

The book was written by Sally Sampson, who seems to be an expert on perfecting these party guest-pleasing foods. The dips are divided up into chapters - smooth, chunky and cheesy - and the recipe chapters are augmented by sections with general tips on making dips and on party planning in general. You won't find any "onion soup mix/sour cream dips." Instead, you'll get Red Bean and Chipotle Dip, Creamy Almond-Basil Pesto Dip, Artichoke and Feta Dip and Goat Cheese Spread with Dried Apricots and Pistachios.

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Fruit salsas are not the on culinary cutting edge as they were only a few years ago, but they are as popular as ever. Instead of being found topping lightly grilled fishes and elaborately stacked entrees at high end restaurants, they are on supermarket shelves and being whipped up in homes. They provide a great alternative to the more ordinary tomato based salsas, with added variations and flavors. The fruits provide a sweetness that really livens up the dip and tempers the heat of the peppers. Trader Joe’s Roasted Peach salsa is a current favorite of mine. It is smoky, sweet and has a definite kick to it. Soft-firm fruits, like peaches, mangos, papayas and avocados typically make the best choices for salsas, as they hold up well and have strong enough flavors to compliment other spices, without overwhelming them or being overwhelmed. The salsas are great for dipping tortilla chips, pita chips and veggies and would be well received at any party (football, anyone?). They can also be mixed into a salad as a spicy alternative to regular dressings.

[Photo by Nicole Weston]