Cooking Basic

Shrimp dip is close to one of the easiest appetizers I know how to make. This is another great recipe passed down to me from my Mom.

Ingredients

• 2 - 8 oz. packages of cream cheese - soft
• 2 Cans drained medium shrimp
• 2 Tablespoons mayonnaise
• 1 Bunch chopped green onions
• 1/2 Teaspoon Worcestershire’s sauce (found in the condiments aisle of your local grocery store)
• 1 teaspoons lemon juice
• 1/2 Teaspoons cayenne powder
• 1/2 Teaspoon garlic powder

Directions

Combine all ingredients gently with mixer and serve with crackers. Yes it’s that easy!

Just like the black bean dip recipe, the white bean dip is also an easy recipe for an appetizer for any party or pot-luck.

Ingredients

• 1 -15 oz can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 Garlic cloves
• 2 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1/3 Cup olive oil, plus 4 tablespoons
• 1/4 Cup fresh Italian parsley leaves
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Place the beans, garlic, lemon juice, 1/3 cup olive oil, and parsley in the bowl of a food processor. Pulse until the mixture is coarsely chopped. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Serve with pita chips or crackers of your choice.

Credit: Food Network & Giada De Laurentiis

I found this recipe while watching Food Network one weekend. Dan Smith and Steve McDonagh are Party Line with the Hearty Boys and a bag of chips! Yet another easy party and potluck dish, enjoy.

Ingredients

• 1 Plum tomato, diced
• 2 Tablespoons diced red onion
• 1 Tablespoon cilantro, chopped, plus springs for garnish
• 2 (15-ounce) cans black beans, drained
• 1 Tablespoon ground cumin
• 2 Tablespoons hot sauce
• Dash of salt
• Tortilla chips, for dipping

Directions

Place the tomato, onion and cilantro into the bowl of a food processor and pulse until well chopped. Add the black beans, cumin, hot sauce and salt, to taste, and pulse until the mixture is mostly smooth. Scrape into a decorative bowl and garnish with cilantro springs. Serve with tortilla chips.

I have to give good ol’ Paula Deen credit for this great party favorite. I ran across this on Food Network’s website.

Ingredients

• 1 Can crabmeat
• 1 Cup grated pepper jack cheese
• 3/4 Cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 Cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 Cloves garlic, minced
• 3 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 Tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 Teaspoon hot sauce
• 1/2 Teaspoon dry mustard

Directions

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Combine all of the ingredients in a casserole dish and gently stir until throughly mixed. Bake for 40 minutes. Serve hot with crackers of your choice.

This is a fresh recipe for guacamole for those who do not want to overpower the taste of avocados with spices. I have to give Buffy credit for this one. Keep it simple guacamole ole!

Ingredients

• 3 Large ripe avocados pealed (Save the pit of one avocado)
• 1 Small white onion grated
• ¼ Teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 Medium tomato chopped
• 2 Tablespoons olive oil
• 1 Teaspoon lemon or lime juice

Directions

Mix all ingredients together either using a mixer or a fork until desired consistency. Place the pit of one avocado on the top to keep the guacamole from turning a brownish color. Serve chilled.