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| California Clam Dip |
For your holiday munching pleasure
We’re deep into holiday season, and you’re probably planning to throw a bash or two.
But what to eat? You’ll need munchies, of course. So we’ve collected some of our favorite past recipes for savory goodies that fit the bill.
We’ll be enjoying these, too. This is our last post of the year (so we’ll have time to party hearty). See you again in 2018.
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| Crab Rangoon Dip |
Holiday Dip Recipes
- Artichoke Dip with Cheddar Cheese. Tangy and no-bake, this is easy to prepare – and super tasty.
- California Clam Dip. You know this one (hint – it’s made with dried onion soup). A classic, and the ultimate party dip.
- Crab Rangoon Dip. A lighter, party-perfect version of a Pupu-platter classic.
- Shrimp Toast Dip. A lighter take on a Chinese/Tiki classic.
- Velveeta Tex-Mex Dip. The chili con queso we all crave.
- Salsa and Picante Sauce. The zippiest dip for tortilla chips.
- Plum Salsa. You’ll go plum crazy for this.
- Peach Salsa. Great as a dip, or serve it with grilled chicken or fish.
- Strawberry-Chipotle Salsa with Jalapeño. Because jalapeño.
- Smoky Salmon and Cream Cheese Dip. Fun and easy to make, a real crowd pleaser.
- Pimento Cheese. Dip or spread? Who cares! This Southern classic is perfect for parties.
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| Candied Bacon |
Holiday Snack Recipes
- Candied Bacon. Ummm, bacon. These go fast, so you might want to make a double batch.
- Easy Cheese Straws. Way better than any cheese-flavored snack you can buy in a box.
- Homemade Chex Mix. Party like it’s 1955.
- Spicy Roast Chickpeas. A healthier version of Spicy Party Nuts.
- Jalapeño Pimento Cheese Canapés. Spicy, cheesy, and ready to party.
- Microwave Popcorn. The best way to make popcorn at home.
- Easy Pickled Watermelon Rind. Celebrating the holidays in a warm climate? This one is perfect.
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| Milk Punch Cocktail |
Holiday Cookies and Cocktails. And Thanks!
OK, man doesn’t live by dips and snacks alone. You’ll also need a nice cocktail to lubricate the holidays, plus a few sweets to round out the menu. So check out our previous recipe-roundup post for Christmas Cookies and Cocktails.
Happy Holidays! We’re grateful to everyone who drops by and reads our blog. Thank you.
See you next year.
I have never thought of using clams in a dip! That candied bacon is still my top favourite!
ReplyDeleteHave a great holiday season, John!
Hi Angie, that bacon is hard to resist, isn't it? :-) Thanks for the comment, and Happy Holidays!
DeleteYou are tempting me with the clam dip. I have to put onion soup mix on my shopping list. Merry Christmas John!
ReplyDeleteHi Gerlinde, the onion soup in that clam dip is evil, but so good! Love the stuff. Thanks for the comment. And Merry Christmas! Not to mention Happy New Year. :-)
DeleteA good onion dip on a crisp, salty chip...snacker's heaven! Thanks for sharing with us all year long. Hope you have a great holiday. See you in the New Year :)
ReplyDeleteHi Lydia, that onion dip is really good. :-) Thanks for the comment, and Happy Holidays!
DeleteIt doesn't get better than dips and snacks at a party. I would happily skip a main course with these on my side :)
ReplyDeleteHi Laura, yup, we can definitely eat several of these instead of a regular meal. :-) Thanks for the comment.
DeleteI could easily make a meal of appetizers. And reading this post is making me really hungry! Have a fabulous rest of 2017!
ReplyDeleteHi Kelise, sorry about that hunger thing. :-) Thanks for the comment, and Happy Holidays!
DeleteYum! That is a nice round-up of goodies, John. The clam dip is definitely a must. Isn't it amazing what you can do with a package of onion soup. Love it! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteHi Pat, that clam dip recipe is so 50's, and SO good! :-) Thanks for the comment, and Merry Christmas!
DeleteHave a happy holiday John. These dips have me drooling and wouldn't you know I'm having a great day fasting and not because I want too! Your killing me!
ReplyDeleteHi Abbe, sorry about the fasting and these goodies. Tomorrow you can indulge. :-) Thanks for the comment. And Happy Holidays!
DeleteFantastic roundup - and how did you know I've been looking for a good cheese straw recipe!? Thanks John. I hope you and your wonderful wife have a fun and blessed holiday season.
ReplyDeleteHi Tricia, love those cheese straws! SO good. :-) Thanks for the comment, and Happy Holidays!
DeleteWhat a fun post! And those stunning photos! Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteHi Mimi, party food IS fun! :-) Thanks for the comment, and Merry Christmas!
DeleteIt's always good to have party snack ideas on hand! I never know what to make!
ReplyDeleteHi Ashley, now you'll have to throw a party just so you can make some of these. :D Thanks for the comment.
DeleteYour dips all appeal to my munchie bone -- I like the way you convert other classics to a dip. But I found a better way: I invited someone to host a party at my house. Because of location, it's more convenient for guests to come here. Because I am lazy it's more convenient for her to figure out the menu and just assign me a dish to make. So I don't need dips! But maybe I will some day.
ReplyDeletebest ... mae at maefood.blogspot.com
Hi Mae, that's sounds like a great way to have a party! Thanks for the comment.
DeleteOh, my! All of them sound simply delish. It's great to have handy recipes for the holidays. Merry Xmas!
ReplyDeleteHi Denise, handy recipes are, well, handy. :-) Thanks for the comment and Merry Christmas!
DeleteGreat roundup! I love all the snacks and dips! I hope you have a wonderful Holiday Season John!
ReplyDeleteHi Dawn, this is a snackin' time of the year, isn't it? Love it! :-) Thanks for the comment, and Happy Holidays!
DeleteOoh, that clam dip looks sooo dangerous. I think if I made it, I'd polish it off before any of my guests arrived. I guess that means I have to make a double batch. Happy holidays! ;)
ReplyDeleteHi Carolyn, yup, a double batch is in order. :-) Thanks for the comment, and Happy Holidays!
DeleteThat first picture with the clam dip on the potato chip makes me really, really hungry! Great list of snacks! Sending it to my BIL for ideas. He's hosting this year and was asking me for appetizer ideas last night. This list is perfect. Thanks and a very Happy Holiday!
ReplyDeleteHi MJ, I hope your BIL finds this useful! And I love that clam dip. :-) Thanks for the comment.
DeleteThanks for the roundup. I really need to make candied bacon one of these days. I love it.
ReplyDeleteHi Jeff, candied bacon is da bomb! It always goes like hotcakes. Or should I say it always goes like candied bacon? :-) Thanks for the comment.
DeleteFantastic and perfect timing tbank you John. Merry VmCjristmas to you, Mrs MKR and your family 🤗
ReplyDeleteHi Merryn, hope this is useful! Thanks for the comment, and Merry Christmas!
DeleteWhat a great selection. Nice appetizers do help make a party. Happy Holidays!
ReplyDeleteAmalia
xo
Hi Amalia, love it when it's party time! Thanks for the comment, and Happy Holidays!
DeleteYummy! This is such a great list of snacks which I will definitely try for the upcoming holidays, John. I fell in love with that dip! ;)
ReplyDeleteHi Agness, it's way to easy to fall in love with that dip! Good stuff. :-) Thanks for the comment.
DeleteMerry Christmas to you and your Family John. Great line of of appetizers - my favorite way to eat.
ReplyDeleteHi Lea Ann, yup, we could have nothing but appetizers for dinner. And have! :-) Thanks for the comment, and Merry Christmas!
DeleteGreat snacks are so addicting! So many choices, so much good food! We are blessed to have such abundance this holiday season. Happy Holidays John!
ReplyDeleteHi Deb, snacks really are addicting, aren't they? In a good sort of way. :-) Thanks for the comment, and Happy Holidays!
DeleteIt's a great time to do these holiday round-ups. It helps us remember all the great posts throughout the year. I could make a meal alone on dips and appetizers (and cocktails and cookies)! Happy Holidays to you and yours!
ReplyDeleteHi Debra, we've pigged out on most of these for dinner at one time or another. A fun way to eat (although not every day!). Thanks for the comment, and Happy Holidays!
DeleteJohn, these photos are food porn! Wow, just stunning. Seriously speaking though we have not had pimento cheese spread in decades. So need to make this again soon. Wishing you and Mr.s Riff and Family a very safe and happy holiday season and a super 2018!
ReplyDeleteHi Bobbi, pimento cheese is SO GOOD! We haven't had it for ages, and are planning to again. Thanks for the comment, and Happy Holidays!
DeleteWow, quite the tasty line-up! Merry Christmas to you and yours, may the New Year bring even more culinary delights. :)
ReplyDeleteHi Judy, there's some good stuff here. :-) Thanks for the comment, and Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
DeleteOK, I want to try them all, so many good recipes to try for the holidays. But the candied bacon pic...SEXY! Wishing you and your family a very Happy and MERRY Holiday!
ReplyDeleteHi Evelyne, that candied bacon is wonderful stuff! Thanks for the comment, and have a wonderful holiday!
DeleteClams in a dip sounds like a delicious idea. My little would love it. Great round up.
ReplyDeleteHappy Holidays!!!
Hi Asha, bet you'd like it, too. :-) Thanks for the comment, and Happy Holidays!
DeleteDips, dips, dips! I'm mad for dips. I never make them but I always lust after them at parties. Crunchy, creamy, and a little drippy. They’re the perfect excuse to take a nibble of something you may have never thought was quite right for you, or sneak a taste of some forgotten treat you long since swore off. I love dips. GREG
ReplyDeleteHi Greg, so, tell us how you feel about dips? :-) Thanks for the comment.
DeleteI would be all over those roasted chickpeas, which is WHY I cannot have them around because I would legit eat them ALL! hahaha! No one else would even have a chance to snag any! lol
ReplyDeleteHi GiGi, who can resist roasted chickpeas? They're wonderful. aren't they? :-) Thanks for the comment.
DeleteThese dips are great especially these days that gatherings and dinners are happening almost every day! Happy holidays and Merry Christmas to you and your family!
ReplyDeleteHi Katerina, can't have too many dips at this time of the year! :-) Thanks for the comment, and Happy Holidays!
DeleteLove the artichoke dip, it is one f my favorite... Happy holidays John and Merry Christmas to all of you.
ReplyDeleteHi Amira, artichoke dip is wonderful, isn't it? Thanks for the comment, and Merry Christmas!
DeleteTerrific line-up of recipes! Enjoy your holidays!
ReplyDeleteHi Amy, thanks! And Happy Holidays!
DeleteI am loving this round up, I’ve been out of ideas and tired so having them all in one place is awesome. Hope your eyes are coming along. I wish you and Mrs. KR a very merry Christmas and a happy and healthy new year!
ReplyDeleteHi Eva, eyes are doing well -- my eyesight is almost back to where it was before the surgery (it takes a couple of months before it reaches "normal"). Thanks for the comment, and Happy Holidays!
DeleteSo many winners! There are quite a few I want to print off for future entertaining. Wishing you and Mrs. KR a very Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteHi Liz, you can't have too many recipes for munchies, can you? :-) Thanks for the comment, and Merry Christmas!
DeleteYou could gain some serious weight sampling all those dips, John. But I think I might have to give it a try anyway. ;-) Merry Christmas to you and yours!
ReplyDeleteHi Frank, yup, serious weight gain IS a downside of sampling all of these. Worth it, though. :D Thanks for the comment,and Merry Christmas!
DeleteHave a very Merry Christmas. I'm wondering which one of your many cocktails you will be celebrating the holidays with.
ReplyDeleteHi Karen, we're having bubbly! Can't beat Champagne at this time of the year. :-) Thanks for the comment, and Merry Christmas!
DeleteI could quite happily live off of chips and dips at this time of year. Great round up, I hope you and your family had a great Christmas :)
ReplyDeleteHi Emma, this is one of the few times of the year we eat this type of stuff. Love it when we do! :-) Thanks for the comment., and hope your holiday was wonderful!
DeleteThe Velveeta Tex Mex dip looks so easy and delicious! In Australia we don't have Velveeta, do you think Philadelphia Cream cheese would be a good substitute?
ReplyDeleteHi Marcellina, cream cheese might work, but the flavor would be all wrong. I'd just melt some cheddar -- better flavor, and that's how the dip is often made. :-) Thanks for the comment.
DeleteWhat a great round up of apps! I love your variety of salsas. And that photo of that potato chip dressed perfectly in the clam dip...wow! But I'm afraid that candied bacon would never make it out to my guests! Yummy stuff! Thanks for your great ideas! And Happy New Year to you and Mrs. KR! :)
ReplyDeleteHi Anne, that candied bacon is impossible to resist. :-) Thanks for the comment, and Happy New Year!
DeleteHappy Holidays! I think I could live on dips and snacks. At least for the next few days. Love this list.
ReplyDeleteHi Lisa, we've been having way too much of this list for the last week or so. :-) Fun to do, isn't it? Thanks for the comment, and Happy Holidays!
DeleteJust had to stop back by and wish you all the best in the New Year. Can't wait to see what you will be sharing with us in 2018.
ReplyDeleteHi Karen, Happy New Year! We'll have a fun cocktail this coming week. :-)
DeleteThat clam dip sounds great, John! So many good things here! Have a wonderful Happy New Year!
ReplyDeleteHi Pam, isn't this nice? Thanks for the comment, and Happy New Year!
DeleteYou have sold me on the clam dip. I made it with reservations because a while back I made a dip with a store brand mix which turned out inedible. I was afraid this would be too salty but it's just right and will be made regularly. I can't wait to try more of your dips and sauces. One of my resolutions is to eat more fiber and vegetables. Your recipes will help to make that resolution not only possible but pleasurable, no doubt. At Christmas, I studied your Cajun recipes and made a lovely 'stew' of black eyed peas, onions, garlic, carrots, celery, green pepper, jalapenos, spinach, lots of black pepper, rice, bacon, and Better Than Boullion ham base and let it cook a long time while I did house work. Everything pretty much disintegrated and it wasn't pretty but it was very good and I got to eat a LOT of vegetables painlessly. Now, for something quite different, I am studying the information on making cocktails. Your blog is truly invaluable and I'm looking forward to much, much more. So glad you are recovering well from your surgery. Thanks again and I hope you and your wife have a wonderful 2018. Thanks very much. Yours sincerely, Marion McClung.
ReplyDeleteHi Marion, glad you like the dip! Enjoy the others. :-) Thanks for the comment, and Happy New Year!
DeleteThat Crab Rangoon dip looks really good!! As do so many of these other party snacks. We love snacks and appetizers at my house and we will be trying several of yours, John! Great recipe roundup!! Happy New Year to you and the Mrs.!!
ReplyDeleteHi Marcelle, hard to have too many snack ideas, isn't it? :-) Thanks for the comment, and Happy New Year!
DeleteAmazing round up! Definitely will be helpful for me specially this coming weekend as we have a potluck. Bookmarked!
ReplyDeleteHi Raymund, enjoy! :-) Thanks for the comment.
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