Summer brings people together for casual backyard barbecues. Some parties are potlucks and you simply bring a dish to pass. But there are occasions when you want to bring a hostess gift. Maybe you usually bring wine, flowers or a dessert. Another gift idea is to bring a few homemade dry dip mixes. The dry mixes can be placed in different containers, such as cellophane bags (with a card stock label stapled on top), sandwich baggies, paper bags or recycled baby food jars or plastic containers. If you want to glam up the presentation, include a pretty serving bowl or dish and arrange the dry mixes in it. The hostess can make dip for the party or save it for later.
The following dry dip mixes were shared by Denise from Illinois. These make wonderful gifts for any occasion and they sell well at craft shows and school fundraisers (priced around $3 each), too.
 

RANCH DIP MIX

3/4 tablespoon dried parsley
1 1/2 teaspoons salt
3/4 teaspoon dried chives
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon dried tarragon
3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
3/4 teaspoon lemon pepper

Combine the above ingredients and stir until well blended. Place in a small bag. Attach a gift tag, adhesive label or recipe card with the directions below on how to prepare the dip.

RANCH DIP:

1 package Ranch Dip mix
1 cup mayonnaise or salad dressing
1 cup sour cream

Combine the Ranch Dip mix with the mayonnaise and sour cream. Stir until well-blended. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before serving.

FRUIT DIP MIX

1/3 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon chopped crystallized ginger (found at health food stores or specialized grocery stores)
1 teaspoon cinnamon

Process the above ingredients until ginger is finely chopped and mixture is well-blended. Place in a small bag. Attach a gift tag, adhesive label or recipe card with the directions below on how to prepare the dip.

FRUIT DIP:

1 package Fruit Dip mix
2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened

Combine the Fruit Dip mix with the softened cream cheese. Beat until well-mixed. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour to allow flavors to blend. Serve with fresh cut fruit, graham crackers or vanilla wafers.

VEGETABLE DIP MIX

1 tablespoon dried chives
1 teaspoon garlic salt
1/2 teaspoon dried dill weed
1/2 teaspoon paprika

Combine the above ingredients and stir until well-mixed. Place in a small bag. Attach a gift tag, adhesive label or recipe card with the directions below on how to prepare the dip.

VEGGIE DIP:

1 package Veggie Dip mix
1 tablespoon lemon juice
2 cups sour cream

Combine the Veggie Dip mix with the lemon juice and sour cream. Stir until well-blended. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. Serve with chips, crackers or fresh vegetables.

CHEESY ONION DIP MIX

2 tablespoons minced onion
1 teaspoon beef bouillon granules
2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt

Combine the above ingredients and stir until well blended. Place in a small bag. Attach a gift tag, adhesive label or recipe card with the directions below on how to prepare the dip.

CHEESY ONION DIP:

1 package Cheesy Onion Dip mix
2 cups sour cream

Combine the Cheesy Onion Dip mix with the sour cream. Stir until well-blended. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. Serve with chips, crackers or fresh vegetables.

If you prefer to mix dip up ahead of time to bring to a party or want to make some for yourself at home, visit www.frugalvillage.com/2008/03/13/dip-into-tasty-side-of-entertaining/ and www.frugalvillage.com/2009/07/02/dip-into-summer-cooking/ for sweet and savory dip recipes.

 

photo by peyri