Summer Sips & Dips: Recipes And More!

{ Via Sunny Gu }

Happy hour cocktails on the patio or terrace is something I look forward to each day. I mean what can be better? This recipe roundup features both sips and dips. I believe in keeping summer snacks simple, so dips are perfect. I just try not to think about "double dipping."  In addition, I have added a few fab finds that will enhance any happy hour.

Frozen Hula Hoop Cocktail

This cocktail is a sweet and tart blend of fresh raspberries, pineapple and lemon paired with white rum, dry red wine, and Aperol. It's mixed in the blender and served slushy. How refreshing!

Food & Wine

DuraClear Outdoor Drinkware

In the words of Williams Sonoma...."Quench your thirst in style this summer with DuraClear. It's food-grade plastic is BPA-free and won't crack, shatter, break, cloud or discolor, meaning you can sip back and relax wherever your summer takes you."

Williams Sonoma

Farmers Market Hummus

The Farmers Market is my happy place, and this hummus is my happy meal or snack. Once I found out what is in some store bought hummus like corn oil, I started making my own, and never looked back. This looks like heaven. 

Half Baked Harvest

Poolside Popsicle Spritzers

Raise your hand if a boozy popcicle sounds delish! The pop can be made ahead of time, it keeps your wine of choice (I vote for Prosecco) cool, and infused with tropical flavors. Not to mention, how party-licious it looks.

Delish

Cocktail Napkins
I love a cotton cocktail napkin outdoors. It is unexpected, but ever so nice. Furbish fabrics come in the happiest patterns.

Furbish Studio

Whipped Grilled Corn Dip
Just in time for corn season! It's made with ricotta cheese, lime, cilantro, garlic and more. How delightful!

 How Sweet Eats

Bamboo Serving Plate With Mesh Food Dome

A brilliant idea, and good looking, too! For $20, it makes a great host gift.

World Market

Drunken Tequila Mangoes

What a fun and fruity idea! If you aren't one to do shots, here is an elevated taste of tequila. It will be your forever party trick. Can't wait to make them for the kids when they visit.

Delish

Hot Lobster Roll Dip

Oh just give me a baguette (or a spoon) and a bottle of wine. This dip is a dream for lobster lovers.

How Sweet Eats

Sour Cherry Mojitos

This is a celebration in a glass. It's a mix of vodk,   fresh cherries, and even more fruit. Get the recipe at..

Martha Stewart

BLT Dip

I dare someone not to like this. With all the flavors of our fave BLT sandwich, it's perfect for tomato season. Mind if I eat mine by the spoon?

Melissa's Southern Style Kitchen

Scalloped Lacquer Tray

Good looking for every season, and available in more colors. Now that it is on sale, it's also a chic choice for a host gift.

Mark & Graham

Flowerfetti Ice Cubes

Cute cocktails just taste better. Aren't these the prettiest? So perfect for your next patio party.

Sur La Table

Rainbow Sangria

I am obsessed with the look of this stylish sangria. It is oh so colorful. The secret is NOT to muddle the fruit.

Gimme Some Oven

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Disposable Dishes For Summer Soirées

Foodie Friday: Chips & Dips

{ Via: Celebrity Cafe }

Apparently something big is happening this weekend, and it's called March Madness & the NCAA playoffs.  It's no wonder that March 23rd is also National Chip & Dip Day.  Because I am a good sport, I am playing along, and cooking up some game grub. It's time to up your "dip" game, and serve up some winning recipes that are sure to score with your home team.

HERE: 16 Recipes & Stylish Servers

Walnut Pesto 

Goat Cheese Dip

I have a feeling that this dip just might be on repeat this Summer. The pretty veggies add the crunch and plate appeal.

Food & Wine

Baked Three-Cheese Onion Dip with Chive and Peperoncini

This dip features all of the creaminess of onion dip with the gooeyness of queso. The crowd will love it.

Bon Appétit

Roasted Cauliflower Tahini Dip
We roast cauliflower at least twice a week. It's low in carbs and super tasty. Add some roasted chickpeas for texture. Serve with crudités and flatbread.

Gourmet Traveller

Michael Aram Ripple Chip and Dip

Make a modern statement with this sleek and 

shiny server.

Bloomingdale's

Rough Guacamole

What makes it rough, you ask? The recipe calls for going big with fresh lime juice and salt, which I always do. The salt, for me, is always Himalayan Pink Sea Salt, because it is actually good for us. What I have never done is added, coarse chopped coriander and roasted pepitas. That's the rough part of the recipe.
Gourmet Traveller

Dungeness & Shrimp Cheese Dip
Okay just give me a spoon. Indulgent? Of course, but every once in a while we owe it to ourselves. Keep this recipe elevated by serving it on a French baguette.
Saveur

Spring Crudités with Three Dips

We eat with our eyes first. One look at this pretty platter and we will be famished! These Mediterranean dips will be unexpected but yet really enjoyed.
Williams Sonoma

Homemade Chips With Sriracha BBQ Sauce & Greek Yogurt Blue Cheese

Homemade chips are easier than you think, not to mention healthier. In fact, I make my own tortilla chips frequently. This recipe features crunch, sweet heat, and a little tang from the yogurt and blue cheese. Yes!
How Sweet Eats 

Raspberry Chipotle Black Bean Dip
This recipe is gluten free and vegan optional. Serve it hot or warm temperature. It can be made in less than 30 Minutes.
Minimalist Baker

Chip & Dip
Rustic in rattan and wicker.  It's perfect for the family room or alfresco dining.
World Market

Chive and Bacon Dip

Bacon makes everything better, don't you think? This recipe is salty, crunchy, and bacony. And it is a bit lighter than some dips as it is made with yogurt and not mayo.

Heather Christo

Whipped Feta Dip
Whipped Feta is a magical thing. It's very easy to do. With the added lemon zest ( I would a squeeze a bit of fresh lemon, too ) and fresh parsley, its fabulously frangrant. as well.
Bakers Royale

Marble & Copper Dip Bowls
Oh how pretty and chic! Thinking these have multiple uses, from dips, condiments, guests soaps in powder rooms and more. Also they little bowls at less than $20 make a beautiful 
hostess gift. 
West Elm

Hummus with Radishes and Paprika
I made my first homemade hummus at Thanksgiving. It was made from pumpkin and if I say so myself, it was fabulous. But this recipe is a wee bit prettier. We all need to try it because it is so easy!
Gourmet Traveller

Baked Brie Dip With Sun Dried Tomatoes & Thyme
Warm, cheesy, gooey, and flavorful. This just couldn't be bad in my book. The thyme adds the savory fragrance. Sure to be a hit.
White On Rice Couple

Everything Pretzel Bites with Beer 
Cheddar Dip
Even I who cooks more than the average cook, has never made a pretzel. But I am up for trying anything. And homemade must be better than the bag with preservatives. This dish is the perfect choice for a March Madness party!
Broma Bakery

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Pizza, Pizza, Pizza