Five Dips I am LOVING Right NOW!

The end of Spring and beginning of Summer bring a wonderful time for BBQ's and Picnics.  A time to get together share in food, fun and new memories with dear friends and family.  But one thing that I believe is overlooked at these events and that is dips.  Dips are an amazing contributor to a wonderful get together, they bring people together(literally!), by not only being delicous, but because they are so yummy people stand around them and talk.  Enjoying food and conversation.  Who could ask for more?

So next time you are asked to an afternoon BBQ or picnic say you'll bring the dip, and while yes, salsa and corn chips are great, put them to the side for awhile and bring something with a little more flair!  Like these!

1.  A Tuna Mousse Dip.  Yes!  It is not something you normally think of and some even think, how can that be good?  But basically it is like tuna salad in a more creamy form.  Serve with little pieces of crispy bread or fresh cut veggies.

2.  Apricot Chipotle Glazed Cream Cheese; the new and better kind of "cheese ball".  Party's seem to enjoy the cheese ball concept, so why not try this instead.  Tastes great on wheat thins, and takes SECONDS to make!  You can always make it fancier than the picture shows, when I make it I usually get the whipped cream cheese and place it in a glass bowl, pouring the glaze over it.  So that way everyone can still see how pretty it is without being "hello rectangle of cream cheese!"

3. Mango Guacamole.  Who needs plain and simple guacamole when this offers a unique and yummy tasting experience.  Serve with baked tortillas fresh from the oven and you will have many people singing your praises.

4. Pecan Crusted Spinach and Artichoke Dip.  A yummy Southern twist on the orginal.

5.  Artichokes were a favorite summer food of mine growing up, but we always just used normal ranch for the dipping sauce.  Try this Saffron Dipping Sauce and it will make you see artichokes in a whole new light!

Enjoy and keep on dipping!