The big game - the Super Bowl - is just around the corner. The best way to celebrate is with dips and appetizers on hand while watching the game with friends and family. Dairy products such as butter, cream cheese and sour cream are used in these and other recipes to add richness and savory flavor to seasonings. Here are a few favorite dip recipes to snack on when enjoying football games.
Dried beef dip
- 2 8-ounce package cream cheese
- Softened ½ pound chipped dried beef
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 large green pepper, diced
- 4 tablespoons milk
- 2 tablespoons onion flakes
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
Sauté dried beef in butter. Add all ingredients together adding sour cream last. Put in small crockpot on low for one hour or bake at 325 degrees for 20 minutes.
Taco dip
- 8-ounce package cream cheese
- Softened 16-ounce container sour cream
- 8-ounce shredded Monterey jack cheese
- Lettuce, finely chopped
- 1 package taco seasoning mix
- 2 tomatoes, chopped
- 8 oz jar of smooth taco sauce
Combine cream cheese, sour cream, taco seasoning and half jar of taco sauce in a blender and zing until smooth. Put on a serving plate. Layer with lettuce, tomato, cheese and then top with rest of taco sauce. Chill at least 2 hours before serving.
Pizza dip
- 8-ounce package cream cheese
- Softened ½ cup chopped pepperoni
- 4 ounces shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup chopped green pepper
- ½ cup pizza sauce 4-ounce can of mushrooms
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
Beat cream cheese and seasonings at medium speed until well blended. Spread in the bottom of a square baking dish. Cover cream cheese mixture with pizza sauce. Top with mushrooms, peppers and pepperoni and top with shredded cheese. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes or until thoroughly heated with cheese melted.
In all of these recipes, serve them with carrots, celery, pretzels and low-fat tortilla chips for a healthy balance of dairy and vegetables and grains. Remember that eating "3 Every Day of Dairy," meaning three daily servings of low-fat milk, cheese, or yogurt is an easy way to obtain many nutrients to help build stronger bones and healthy bodies which will reduce the risk of osteoporosis. In addition, more and more research suggests that consuming three servings of dairy foods a day as part of a nutrient-rich, balanced diet may help maintain a healthy weight.