People often ask me what my favorite food recipes are to write about and prepare. That is kind of like asking which child is your favorite. Since I have an only child, no one ever asks and I have never had to make that choice. If I had to choose concerning food, it would probably be appetizers.
Appetizers are defined as a food or drink that stimulates the appetite and is served before a meal. Steve and I often go to a restaurant and just order a variety of appetizers as our meal.
When our son, Steven, was young he enjoyed going out to eat with us as a family. When we would sit down, he would always ask if we were going to order an “advertisement”. In fact, we still call them that today. His favorite was cheese sticks. They always seemed to bring an odd number and he was always quite perplexed as to how we would evenly distribute them. He was quite “math minded” and liked for things to be just so. Mama usually got the short end of the stick.
I have a plethora of appetizer recipes, but today I want to share three layered dips that everyone will enjoy. They are quick, easy, and delicious. Great for a crowd! What else could you ask for from a good “advertisement?”
Hope you will give them a try. Thanks for reading.
LAYERED
MEXICAN DIP
2 cans bean dip
1 large container guacamole
1 (16 oz.) sour cream
1 pkg. taco seasoning mix
1 jar thick and chunky salsa
1 bunch green onions, sliced
1 can sliced black olives
1 cup Cheddar cheese, grated
1 cup shredded Mexican blend cheese
Tostitos Scoops for dipping
On a serving platter, spread the cans of bean dip for the first layer.
Spread the guacamole on top. Mix the sour cream and taco seasoning and make the next layer. Pour salsa on top; sprinkle green onions and black olives on top. Top with cheeses; refrigerate and serve.
LAYERED
SHRIMP DIP
2 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese, softened
1 bottle cocktail sauce
2 cans shrimp, drained
1 bunch green onions, sliced
1 chopped bell pepper
1 chopped tomato
1 can sliced black olives
1 lb. grated Mozzarella cheese
Ritz Crackers for serving
Spread cream cheese on a serving p latter. Pour the cocktail sauce on top; layer the shrimp, onion, bell pepper, tomatoes, and black olives. Top with the cheese and refrigerate. Serve with Ritz crackers.
LAYERED MEDITERRANEAN DIP
2 containers of your favorite hummus
¼ cup sliced pepperoncini peppers
1 (14 oz.) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
½ cup roughly chopped kalamata olives
1 bunch green onions, chopped
¼ cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes
¼ cup toasted pine nuts
Pita Chips for serving
Spread hummus on the bottom of a serving plate. Layer remaining ingredients on top of hummus; serve with pita chips.
