Dip It. Dip It Good.

For this afternoon's football game, I'm making my own dips. I know, I know, why go to the trouble when I could just take the lid off a store-bought container? Well, because dips are easy to make and the end result is SO much better than what you could buy pre-made. I'd rather spend a little bit of time in the kitchen to get something super yummy than just buy something mediocre to save time.

So, since I haven't made this afternoon's dips yet, what follows aren't so much recipes as suggestions. I mean, dips don't need recipes really. They're not scientific though they do encourage experimentation. And that's what I plan to do - experiment like a mad dip scientist.

Cowgirl Edamame Dip
- Take shelled, cooked edamame and blend in food processor with your favorite salsa ingredients (chopped tomatoes, diced onions, minced jalapeno, cilantro, lime, cumin, etc.)
- With processor going, drizzle in olive oil until it's the consistency you're looking for then season with salt and pepper
- OR, remove mixture from processor and stir in some sour cream or even mayonnaise then season with salt and pepper
- Serve with nacho chips

Hot Pink Ricotta Dip
- Make simple tomato sauce by starting with garlic and onions in olive oil then adding canned tomatoes with salt and pepper and herbs like basil and oregano; simmer for at least an hour
- Stir enough into ricotta cheese to make it pink
- Serve with grissini (crisp breadsticks) or bruschette (grilled/toasted bread rubbed with olive oil and garlic)

Fancified Onion Dip
- Cook sliced Vidalia or yellow onions (seasoned with salt and pepper) in olive oil over medium heat so they caramelize; this will take at least 20 minutes
- Stir cooled onions into half cream cheese, half goat cheese
- Serve with your favorite potato chips

And for my West Coast family and friends (who always have access to fresh avocados)...
Grilled Scallion Guacamole
- Grill scallions on outdoor or indoor grill or even grill pan; chop when cool
- Add to your favorite guacamole ingredients (avocado, cilantro, lime, cumin, etc.); season with salt and pepper
- Serve with pita chips