Creating the Perfect Dip Table

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

18 Jan 2008 11:02 AM

A big bowl of chunky dip surrounded by chips, crackers, and veggies solves a lot of life's entertainment problems. The quick and easy dish serves as an attractive table centerpiece, doesn't require utensils and is one of the only ways my kid will eat raw vegetables without being bribed.

If you've been reading my recent guest blogs in the FOOD category then you know that I've been on a dip kick as of late. Blame the Green Bay Packers. Our hometown football team is on the road to the Super Bowl and ever since they made the playoffs, party invitations have been pouring in. So far my contributions to these Packer potlucks have been hearty dips (which I must say have gone over quite well).

This Sunday my friends are hosting a HUGE Packer viewing party. It's our chance to pig out while we watch oversized men chase around the pigskin. Since this game is for the NFC Championship crown and the chance to play in the Super Bowl my pal is going all out. This includes devoting an entire table exclusively to dips. She's calling it the "Dip Table" and guess who is in charge of filling it?

You guessed it--yours truly. Obviously, given the nature of the party it means going beyond onion soup mix poured into a tub of sour cream. I plan to load the table with a variety of hearty dips and a host of edible accoutrements, which I've listed below. Remember--you don't have to be hosting a party to enjoy the convenience of dips and the nutritional benefits that come with pairing them with healthy dipping options.

Vegetables: Besides the standard carrot and celery sticks, consider pairing your dips with bit-sized pieces of broccoli and cauliflower. I'm planning to use fresh pea pods, green beans, red and green peppers, asparagus, cucumbers and cherry tomatoes.

Beans: Since I am serving a bean dip I plan to garnish with beans and have a bowl of beans available for guests to add to their dishes. White beans are especially versatile since they have such a mild flavor. Not only are beans a great source of protein and fiber, but they are also low in fat.

Breads and Chips: Since the dips I am serving are so chunky I am not planning to put out traditional potato chips. Instead, I'm offering thick baked crackers and tortilla chips, big pretzel rods, pita bread, slices of French bread and chunks of pumpernickel and rye bread.

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Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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