Asian Dips

I love dip. It can be pretty much any kind of dip. Serve it with crackers or chips or even veggies and I'm totally there. It can be hot or spicy or cheesy or all of the above. Actually, it can have weird ingredients in it and I am usually all over it. Mexican dips are popular. So are seafood dips. I'd like to go in a different direction with this one. I've picked out two Asian dips as they are flavorful with some spice and on the healthy side. Serve them both with veggies and you are good to go.

Asian Carrot Dip

Ingredients:

1/3 c. mayo           3 tbsp. hoisin sauce             2 tbsp. ginger          2 tbsp. soy sauce

2 garlic cloves       1 tbsp. sesame oil               1 jalapeno                2 scallions

Directions:

1. Combine all ingredients except the scallions in a food processor.
2. Add the scallions.
3. Serve with carrots.

I Can't Believe It's Peanut Butter

Ingredients:

5 slices peeled fresh ginger root           2 green onions           3 garlic cloves

2 c. peanut butter                                  1/4 c. soy sauce         2 tbsp. sesame oil

1 tbsp. red pepper                                 1 tbsp. sugar

Directions:

1. Process the ginger, green onions, garlic, sugar and red pepper until minced.
2. Add peanut butter, soy sauce and sesame oil.
3. Process until all the ingredients are well combined.
4. Transfer to a serving bowl.
5. Serve with celery, carrots or bagel chips.

Either of these would make a great starter for your next Asian night dinner. I have lots of munchie type recipes that would work well too. It's something to think about for your next dinner party....instead of a heavy meal, make lots of bites - whether it's dips or spring rolls or even some homemade crab rangoon!

As always, have fun!