Academy Award Winning Dips

One of my favorite parts of watching the Oscars is the food. I love parties that include a bunch of types of appetizers (this is probably why I love Spanish tapas) as I get to try a little bit of a lot of dishes. Here I have 3 dips that are easy to prepare (active time is about 10 minutes for each) and simply delicious.

The Dips:

Hot Artichoke
Pesto & Asiago Cheese
Cilantro, Chives & Yogurt

Serve dips with fresh baguette, crackers, grape tomatoes, broccoli, cauliflower & other desired veggies.


Hot Artichoke Dip

Ingredients:
1/2 cup mayo
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan
1 12oz jar marinated artichoke hearts, drained

Preheat oven to 375.

Coarsely chop artichokes. Mix with mayonnaise and Parmesan. Bake until cheese is melted and dip is bubbling. Remove from oven and let cool a few minutes before serving.


Pesto & Asiago Cheese Dip

Ingredients:
1 tablespoon pesto
1/4 cup grated Asiago cheese
1/2 cup Parmesan
1/4 cup sour cream
1/4 cup cream cheese

Mix together cheese, pesto and sour cream Ta da! (It's that easy). You can also serve this dip warm, to do so, prepare in the same manner as the hot artichoke dip.


Cilantro, Chives & Yogurt Dip

Ingredients:
1 1/2 cup plain yogurt
2 tablespoons minced chives
2 tablespoons minced cilantro
1/2 minced garlic clove
1 tablespoon lemon juice

Mix together yogurt, chives, cilantro, garlic and lemon juice. Let sit at least 3 hours (preferably overnight) for flavors to blend.