Party Starters Appetizer Dips Sauces

The countdown to Christmas has begun and one of the many joys of the seasons entertaining is surely the food!  We almost always start with little nibbles of goodness .From simple to fancy they are all a delicious way to tease the taste buds before we dive into the main meal. Starters,horsd’oeuvres or appetizers, no matter what you call them. They are terrific for the holiday seasons get togethers and family gatherings. Some of my favorite starters have yummy dips and sauces. Most of us serve Crudités ( fresh raw veggies with some type of dipping sauce) as starters. I am sharing some yummy dipping sauces with you today.

Cucumber sauce

you can get my cucumber dip recipe HERE

 Creamy Hummus

1 (15 oz.) Can garbanzo beans (drained and reserve liquid)

1/4 Cup sesame seed paste

3 Tbsp. lemon juice

1 Clove garlic (crushed)

1 tsp. Ground chili powder

1/4 tsp Sea salt

1/4  tsp. White pepper

Food processor

Combine all ingredients and about 1/3 of the garbanzo bean liquid in the food processor and pulse until smooth, and then slowly add the remaining garbanzo beans liquid pulsing intermittently until you reach your preferred consistency.

Makes about 2 cups

Honey Mustard

1/2 Cup olive oil mayonnaise

1/4 Cup yellow mustard ( not dry)

1/4 Cup honey

¼ tsp Sea salt

¼ tsp wasabi powder

Whisk together all ingredients.

Makes about 1 cup

I know it is not a Crudité recipe but, one of my favorite starters is shrimp cocktail!  One of our granddaughters loves it too. I always make it for our family get togethers.

Cocktail sauce

1 Cup tomato ketchup

1 -2 tsp. tabasco sauce (more or less as you like it)

1 Tbsp. lemon juice

1/2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce

1/4 tsp. Sea salt

1 tsp. White pepper

Stir together all ingredients to combine well and refrigerate. Serve cold with cooked ,cooled and peeled shrimp.

I created an appetizers board on pinterest 🙂 I hope you will find some inspiration there too.

Countdown is also happening for the giveaways, apron swap and gingerbread house tour, I hope you will enter, join, and share. 🙂

What is your favorite Dipping Sauce?

I bet you are going to say ranch! 🙂 May I suggest this delicious homemade ranch dip by the Foodess! (recipe and image source) It’s one of our favorites.

“May the Lord bless you and keep you; may He let His grace shine upon you and be gracious to you; may the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-6:26 NIV