FOOD FOR PARTIES

8 delectable dips

Here are 8 fabulous dips, adapted from recipes created by the California Artichoke Advisory Board. They're designed to be served with artichokes, but we think the dips are sensational to use with any fresh veggies or with toasted pita wedges or chips.

If you're interested in making an impressive presentation, see the Board's helpful how-to guide on preparing fresh artichokes.

Oriental Dip

Makes about 1/2 cup

Combine all ingredients and mix well.

1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
1/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar
2 Tbs. cider vinegar
2 Tbs. soy sauce
1 tsp. sesame oil
1/8 tsp. ground ginger

Note: To make this "Creamy Thai Dip," add 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter; makes 3/4 cup.


Honey Mustard Dip

Makes about 1/2 cup

Combine all ingredients and mix well.

1/4 cup prepared mustard
2 Tbs. cider vinegar
2 Tbs. soy sauce
2 Tbs. honey

"Ship Ahoy" Clam Dip

Makes about 3/4 cup

1 can (6 1/2 oz.) minced clams, drained, with juice reserved
2 Tbs. reserved clam juice
3 oz. cream cheese, softned
1 tsp. lemon juice
1/4 tsp. garlic salt

  1. Drain clams, reserving 2 Tbs. clam juice.
  2. Blend cream cheese with lemon juice and garlic salt.
  3. Stir in clams and reserved clam juice. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Herbed Mayonnaise

Makes about 1 cup

Combine all ingredients and mix well.

1 cup regular or reduced-fat mayonnaise
1 tsp. chopped parsley
1 tsp. chives or green onions (green part only)
1/4 tsp. chopped tarragon

Pesto Mayonnaise

Makes about 1 cup

Combine all ingredients and mix well.

1 cup regular or reduced-fat mayonnaise
3 Tbs. pesto sauce (frozen is best for color)

Curry Mayonnaise

Makes about 1 cup

1 cup regular or reduced-fat mayonnaise
2 tsp. curry powder
2 tsp. butter

  1. Melt butter in a small pan
  2. Add curry powder
  3. Simmer gently over low heat for 1 to 2 minutes to eliminate any bitterness from the curry powder.
  4. Cool and blend with mayonnaise.

Soy Sauce Mayonnaise

Makes about 1 cup

Combine all ingredients and mix well.

1 cup regular or reduced-fat mayonnaise
1/4 cup soy sauce
A dash of garlic powder

Low Calorie Dill Dip

Makes about 1 cup

Combine all ingredients and mix well.

1 cup plain yogurt
1/4 cup regular or reduced-fat mayonnaise
2 Tbs. minced green onion
1 Tbs. capers
1 tsp. dried dill weed


For a helpful guide to preparing fresh artichokes to serve with any of these fabulous dips, click here.