The Pennyless Cook: Dip, baby, Dip!

Monday, June 27, 2011

Dip, baby, Dip!

Sometimes I crave chips and dip. So sue me! I know it's not healthy, but that salty chip dipped in a cool, zesty ranch dip just hits the spot. Instead of buying that ranch mix pack from the store you can use staples that you probably have on hand to make a fresh and way more delicious ranch dip then you could ever make with that prepackaged kind.

This dip is so easy and so delicious with the help of a surprising ingredient, and of course the help of your favorite store-bought potato chips!

Orange You Glad You Made This Dip

Ingredients:

1/2 cup milk/buttermilk

1 cup mayonnaise

1/2 cup sour cream

1/4 tsp dill, finely chopped or dried

1/4 tsp parsley, finely chopped or dried

1 tbsp chives finely chopped

1/8 tsp garlic salt

1/2 tsp orange zest

pinch of salt

cracked black pepper to taste

Directions:

In a medium mixing bowl combine all ingredients. Whisk well. Pour in a container and seal tightly for at least 6 hours or overnight. This will help it to thicken and enhance the flavor. Serve with your favorite potato chip and (to make you feel not as guilty) baby carrots. So good!

Measure out your milk. I used skim because that's all I had on hand, and that's ok!

Use what you have.

Don't buy buttermilk just to make this dip. I repeat save your money and time.

Unless you want to use buttermilk, then nobody's stopping you!

Pour milk in your mixing bowl.

Next, add sour cream and mayonnaise.

Then the chives.

Next add your parsley, dill, salt and pepper.

Add your garlic salt. Then the surprise ingredient....

Orange zest!

Yep, you heard right!

This gives the dip a nice, fresh hint of citrusiness (I know, I don't think that's an actual word), but just go with it.

It makes it taste good, ok!

Whisk well.

Until combined.

Pour in a container that can be sealed tightly.

Stick in the fridge at least 6 hours or overnight. Try to resist dipping a chip in it!

It's tough, but you can do it. It will be worth the wait. I promise

Really, I promise! Have I ever steered you wrong?

Well, don't answer that.

In all of the delicious excitement I forgot to take a photo of this dip being served.

Just trust me, serve this up with chips and carrots and it will be gone faster then it took you to make it! It did with us!

Enjoy!

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Tips to Eat or Cook By

Buy cheese by the block and grate it yourself. Pre-shredded cheese doesn't pack as much flavor and costs more ounce per ounce.
Don't waste time buying roasted vegetables in a marinade that you will use one time for one dish; make your own (see post: The dinner the hood interrupted).
Al dente is a cooking term used for pasta. It should be checked by tasting so it is firm to the bite. The more pasta cooks the gummier it gets.
This is not some great wisdom or secret, but cut coupons. If you don't you are literally throwing away dollar after dollar. Don't use coupons on something you really don't want simply because of the coupon; use them on what you need!
If you don't have acsess to jared tomato juice the best store bought juice, in my opinion, is Red Gold . Cheap and fresh tasting!
Try to make your own sauces as much as possible; you'll save so much money and be eatting a homemade sauce without perservatives.
A rue is used to help thicken sauces. For example you can melt 2 tbsp of butter and then mix in 2 tbsp of flour until cooked through and browned. Then add to sauce until smooth and thickened. You can also make rue first and then add ingredients to the rue.
Mascarpone cheese is a good thing to keep on hand. It can be used as dip on crackers (my son's favorite), used in the place of sour cream while cooking, can be used in desert by adding vanilla and on top of fruit. Possibilities are truly endless!
Siracha Hot Chili Suace is one of the best hot sauces and can be found in the Asian aisle. Don't let the Asian influence fool you; it is delicious in all types of food that need a little kick!
To enhance the flavor of dried spices (which is a smart investment) simply crush in the palm of your hand before adding to the dish.
Keep fresh spices lasting longer by adding a damp paper towel in a plastic bag with the spice.
If you forget to lay butter out to soften you can beat it with a rolling pin or warm it with your hands.
Cookies, candies, or even a spice mix makes a great gift in a clear gift bag with a ribbon or nice glass jar.
Buy meat on the bone; it is always cheaper and more flavorful.
Save wrapping from sticks of butter to use in greasing pans or skillets.
Instead of wasting money on pancake mix, make your own with ingredients you already have on hand; add vanilla, nutmeg and cinnamon for an added touch.
Instead of buying grated cheese, it's cheaper and more flavorful to buy it by the block and grate it yourself (save the rind to put in soup stock).
Cut coupons and plan monthly menu around sale bills.
A donut has less calories than a multi-grain bagel wIth low-fat cream cheese.
Stock fridge with frozen vegetables; cheaper and just as nutritious.
Regular bacon is healthier than turkey bacon.