Foodie Friday: Fruit Dip

Okay, so my grandma makes this really amazing dip that I had no freaking clue what it could possibly be. Lo and behold, these three simple ingredients pack so much delicious flavor when combined and you can dip practically anything in it for a tasty treat!

What you will need:

1 cup brown sugar
1 tub cream cheese (8 oz.)
1 tablespoon vanilla

Oh! And don't forget, this can easily be made vegan by using Tofutti cream cheese!



Directions:

In a bowl (larger than this one, I didn't realize how much stirring was involved) blend together the three ingredients until smooth. Voila!



My favorite thing to dip... Apples!

Foodie Friday: Spicy Soy Sauce Aioli

I'm always up for trying new aioli's, dips and sauces to eat with my artichokes... I found a close version of this one while searching the #artichoke tag on Instagram and it was surprisingly really delicious!

What you will need:

Mayo
Soy sauce
Lemon juice
Cayenne pepper



Directions:

In a small bowl or dipping dish add two heaping scoops of mayo, a generous pour of soy sauce, a small squeeze of lemon juice and a pinch of cayenne pepper (more or less depending on how spicy you like it!).





I can't really describe how it tastes without simply telling you that you just have to try it!

Farmers Market: Garlic Dip

This dip/sauce/spread/dressing/marinade has got to be the best thing I've ever found at the Farmers Market. I usually have to refrain from buying more each time I visit, but $6 is not a bad price for something so nutritious and delicious! I'm not a hummus fan at all (I know, what kind of vegetarian am I?) so when I came across this stuff made with cloves of garlic (my favorite!) rather than chickpeas I was all over it. I like to eat it with pretzels, but dipping vegetables is just as tasty, too!

more presents!

One of my favorite things from other people's travels are postcards! Jon has known since the day we started dating that if there is a trip being taken, which happens often in this household, it's imperative that a postcard had better follow. I've collected a few dozen postcards from friends, family members and internet buddies over the years.


[via]

Jon sometimes brings me home extra goodies because he knows that I can't afford to travel as much as he does. Here were my presents from Boston (and I'm sure a postcard is somewhere in route):


new toothbrush holder, i love teeth!


artichoke parmesan dip


something pretty


rad book he found for himself and $1 to boot

ps; We saw Scream 4 this afternoon and it was superb. So many clever one-liners and not all that predictable (until near the end). It absolutely made my month!

Artichoke Lemon Pesto

After work I strolled into Henry's and picked up something new to try for lunch tomorrow...



Welp, it was shortly after walking through the front door that I tore into this dip with some crackers, and now I can't put it away! This stuff is incredible with chunks of artichoke, citrus juice and black pepper, it will surely add pizzazz to whatever you put it on... pastas, sandwiches and pizza!



This picture does not do this stuff justice, so get your butt to Henry's because unfortunately the price tag on the shelf had big bold letters stating "DISCONTINUED". Just my luck.

Foodie Friday: Jen's best dip

My best friend Jen (also known as Blonde Jen if you ever hear me talking about her) is one of the most sincere and talented people I have ever met. She's amazing at everything she does, on top of willingness to cook me fantastic meals. Since we're 800 miles apart right now, I especially like to make this snack when she can't be here to share it with me.



With that said, I would LOVE to share with you the most amazing dip to grace these lips! It's super easy to make and good for a movie night with your best friend and an even bigger hit at a party!

We like to make this dish vegan, but you could easily replace the tofutti with real cream cheese and veggie protein meat crumbles with ground meat! Even if you don't have seasonings to add to this dish, you can grab some taco seasoning that's lying around the house!

You will need:

1 cup of veggie meat crumbles (we used smart ground)
1 tub of cream cheese (we used tofutti cream cheese)
1/2 cup salsa
chili powder to taste



This recipe should be doubled if you are serving more than two people.

1. In a saucepan, add half of the tub of Tofutti cream cheese and turn on heat to medium high.



2. Stir in cup of meat crumbles and half cup of salsa (you can obviously use more or less to your preference).



3. Add chili powder and any other seasonings you'd like to taste. Stir in some cayenne pepper if you are feeling spicy.



Voila!