I happen to LOVE chips and dips. Just ask any of my friends. Yes, it’s one of my downfalls in life, and particularly hard to ignore while I’m trying to lose a few lbs. But… sometimes, just talking about food does the opposite (for me anyway) than it does for most folks. I get less hungry. Hmmm… maybe this is a new diet technique????

Anyway, one of my favorite dips in the world is plain ol’ onion dip – straight from a Lipton’s-like dip mix and sour cream. No fuss, no muss, right? It reminds me of my childhood and scooping up the deliciousness of it with ruffled potato chips.

So, I decided a wanted a little more grown up version of onion dip. Here’s a wonderful way to get that same yummy flavor, but made for the grownup taste buds. This recipe doesn’t use only sour cream, but adds in some Greek Yogurt which cuts down on the fat content.

This recipe for Caramelized Onion Dip is not as quick as ripping open a packet of onion dip mix, because of the time involved in caramelizing the onions, but it’s well worth the effort and whomever you serve it to will be begging you for the recipe. Check it out!

Pfaltzgraff Dip Mix Set. Set includes dip bowl and spreader

What you’ll need:
- 2 Tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
- 2 large yellow onions (about 1 1/2 pounds), finely chopped
- 3/4 Cup sour cream (low-fat works, too)
- 3/4 Cup Greek yogurt (low-fat works, too)
- 3 Teaspoons dehydrated onion powder/granulates (salt-free, natural)*
- very scant 1/2 teaspoon salt

What to do:
In a heavy skillet, saute the chopped onions over medium heat with the olive oil and a couple of pinches of salt. Stir occasionally with a wood or metal spatula and cook until the onions are deeply golden, brown, and caramelized – takes about 40-50 minutes. Set aside and let the yummy, onions cool.

While the onions are doing their thing, you can whisk together the sour cream, yogurt, onion powder, and salt. Something to keep in mind… add whatever onion powder you are using to taste. Add a little bit at a time until it tastes exactly how you like it. Set the mixture aside and wait until the caramelized onions have cooled to room temperature.

Finally, stir in 2/3 of the caramelized onions and scoop into a pretty bowl. Then, top with the remaining onions. Serving at room temperature is good, so if you have to make it ahead of time, pull it out of your refrigerator in time to get to room temp.

Enjoy with your favorite chips. If you are really ambitious, go ahead and check out my selection of homemade chip recipes below.

* If you find it difficult to get onion powder (not the same as onion salt), use crushed dehydrated onion flakes instead. Just add to this recipe to taste.

Homemade Chips
Homemade Potato Chips
Easy Potato Chips
Eggplant Chips

Thanks to 101.cookbooks for the photo

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Great Appetizers, Snacks and Man-food for Father’s Day

Dad’s Day is less than a week away. What are you going to do for the special Dad in your life? We’re going to our local airport (small airport) and watch a helicopter show. That’s what the Dad in our family wants to do so that’s what we’re doing. Can’t wait. (No, really!)

Actually, I saw the show last year and it was AMAZING to see the kinds of tricks helicopters can do! But, I’m getting off topic here. Let’s get back to great appetizers and recipes for your Father. Here are a few ideas to spark  your imagination. Even if Dad loves to cook, give him the day off and fill up his plate with some fun MAN-food. He works hard. He deserves it.

Starting with Breakfast:

Hashbrown Casserole
Oh yeah. This is a delicious small feast – bakes up like a dream.
The man in your life will love it!

Move on to lunch (here’s a few ideas to get the ball rolling):

Chicken Wings Recipes
What Dad doesn’t like good ol’ Buffalo Wings or other types of chicken wings.
Here’s a really nice variety of flavors.

Spicy Grilled Shrimp
You will probably need to make more than you think,
because it’s such a popular and tasty treat.

South of the Border Burger
is a perfect hamburger to serve to your friends and family on these well-celebrated holidays -
especially if you like your burgers on the spicy side.

How about some mid afternoon appetizers and snacks?

Chip Dip Recipes
Surprise Daddy-O with some homemade chips and fantastic dips.

Cowboy Kabobs
So tasty and so easy to make! This is a favorite around our household. And it’s definitely a Man-food!

Pepperoni Cheese Puffs
You will be amazed at how quickly they disappear and the clamoring for more will soon be heard.

Super Sausage Rolls
Easy to make and easy to eat, these yummy easy appetizers, sometimes called
“pigs-in-blanket”, are loved by everyone.

And if Dad and everyone else isn’t too full by now, try out this dinner idea:

Grilled Flank Steak with Basil Mustard Marinade
It’s easy to prepare and easy to BBQ. Everyone will love it!
To get your friends (and neighbors!) mouths watering – just start grilling!

Chile Lime Corn
Next time you want to jazz up your corn on the cob, try this simple recipe,
you’ll never go back to plain ol’ corn on the cob.

Summertime Sangria
Even though Dad might want a beer or a coke instead, he might decide this
drink concoction is pretty darn tasty, too!

And finally… what about Dessert to top off the day?

Mississippi Mud Cake
this dessert is to die for and if you love the flavors of chocolate and coffee…
well, then you will love this!

Have a wonderful day celebrating with the Dad in your family and eating up a storm! It’s all good!

What you’ll need:

• 2 ripe avocados (peeled and pitted)
• 1 small white onion (minced)
• 1 medium tomato (minced)
• 1 TBSP lime or lemon juice
• 2 chipotle chiles (in adobo sauce and minced)
• Salt to taste

Combine all the above ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Cover and serve chilled. It’s best to serve within 3 hours of making this dip. Try these delicious corn tortilla chips to serve with the dip. Heat scale for chipotle guacamole is MEDIUM.

Delightfully serves: 4 as an appetizer and 2 as a meal!

For more wonderful dip recipes, check out this chip dip recipes page.