Pina Colada Fruit Dip

Pina Colada Dip

Pina Colada Dip

I’m always trying to figure out how to get healthy foods into my kids, but I have to stay on my toes or they get bored.  Unfortunately, many of the Pina Colada Fruit Dips call for instant coconut pudding, which is not healthy at all.  I knew I could make a similar tasting dip without pudding and make it healthy enough for even a fun breakfast.  I’ve done fruit dips before, but I think this one really impressed the kids!  This dip is so refreshing and I love this little chunks from the crushed pineapple; however, if you aren’t a fan of slightly chunky dips then give it a whirl in the blender before serving.

Since it is January and I’m trying to feed my family healthier (darn those pesky resolutions), I thought a yogurt dip was perfect!   It has tons of calcium, healthy probiotics, protein, and all the other health benefits associated with dairy.

Plus aren’t those cute fruit pieces perfect for Valentine’s Day!   I just sliced the fruit thin and used a small heart-shaped cookie cutter.  Super simple, right?  I think these will make an appearance on our breakfast table for Valentine’s.  Today, though, it was an after school snack.   My oldest usually begs for ice cream after school, not sure why…I hardly ever give it to her.  Once I placed this platter in front of her, she gobbled it and didn’t even ask for ice cream.

I wasn’t able to actually try this dip, but I served it to hubbyman and the piano teacher.  Both agreed that it was “super yummy” and hubbyman said it reminded him of the  Pina Coladas we had on our honeymoon in Jamaica (without all rum).

Pina Colada Fruit Dip

Pina Colada Fruit Dip

8 oz can of crushed pineapple, undrained
3/4 cup vanilla yogurt
1 tsp coconut extract
garish with extra sweetened shredded coconut

In a small mixing, combine ingredients. If you prefer a smooth dip, give it a pulse or two in a blender.

Serve with slices of melon, berries, grapes, pineapple, and apple slices.

http://www.aroundmyfamilytable.com/2013/01/pina-colada-fruit-dip/

Disclaimer: This post was made in partnership with AZ Milk Producers.  All opinions and thoughts are my own.

10 Fabulous Guacamole Recipes

10 Fabulous Guacamole Recipes

Did you know that there is a National Guacamole Day?  I’m always surprise to find out a certain food as a National Day, but then again….I think every food has it’s own holiday.  National Guacamole Day is TODAY, September 16th!  With my new found obsession with guacamole…thanks Mimi, I thought it would be fun to do a post with some of the best guacamole recipes I could find and so I give you 10 Fabulous Guacamole Recipes!

I love using a salsa bowl to serve mine…it makes it feel like a special treat or like we are at a nice Mexican restaurant.  But as you can see there are so many beautiful ways to serve up this wonderful dip.  So make up a batch (you should probably double it) and celebrate National Guacamole Day!

10 Fabulous Guacamole Recipes

  1. Around My Family Table’s Guacamole That Changed My Life 
  2. Foodie Crush’s Chunky Citrus Guacamole
  3. Closet Cooking’s Guacamole
  4. Celebrating Family’s Guacamole, Chipotle Style
  5. The Cook Duke’s Guacamole
  6. Budget Gourmet Mom’s Chunky Guacamole 
  7. I Wash…You Dry’s Fresh Guacamole
  8. Simply Recipes’ Perfect Guacamole
  9. Mimi Avocado’s Guacamole in a Hurry
  10. Simple Spoonful’s Guacamole

 

Creamy Fruit Dip

Easy Fruit Dip

This dip is amazing!  It is only 3 ingredients (and soooo not healthy)!   But sometimes ya just need a guilty treat and this would be it.  Be warned, though, this makes a ton of dip.  Feel free to halve the recipe or make sure you are taking it to a potluck or something.

I couldn’t get a great picture of the dip, so I just drizzled it over my plate of strawberries.  I barely got the picture before little hands started grabbing at my plate.

We also enjoyed this dip with some crepes the other day too.

Creamy Fruit Dip

1 16oz tub cool whip, thawed
1 3.5oz package instant vanilla pudding
1 21oz container Cream of Coconut (found in the liquor section)

Combine everything in a large bowl.  Keep refrigerated until ready to enjoy. Serve with fruit.

The Best Chile con Queso

The Best Chile con Queso

I got this recipe from my husband’s Aunt and I have no idea where she got it, but it is so easy and tasty. It’s always a big hit at parties. I made a few changes to the recipe that I was given to make it quicker and easier.

The addition of spices and other cheeses really take the traditional Velveeta and Rotel to a new level!

The Best Chile con Queso

1 lb Velveeta cheese, cubed
1/2 lb colby cheese, grated
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
2 (4 ounce) cans diced green chilies
2 tablespoons salsa
1 (10 ounce) can evaporated milk

Add all ingredients to a slow cooker. Cook on high and stir frequently until melted and combined. 1-2 hours depending on your slow cooker’s power. Maintain on low setting to keep cheese melted and party friendly. Serve with tortilla chips and your other favorite nacho toppings.

**This can also be made on the stove top, by melting 2 tbls of shortening and melting the cheese.  Add remaining ingredients. Cook on low for a few minutes. Mixture will thicken upon standing.

Stupid 4 Ingredient Taco Dip

Stupid 4 Ingredient Taco Dip

Well, at least I feel stupid when I realize that i ate almost the entire dish with little help from anyone else.  I hate to admit it, but sometimes I make this just for me to go with my lunches for the week.

But, with the Super Bowl coming up this weekend, I thought this would be a great game day treat whether you are staying home, having a party, or need to take a dish to a friend’s house.  It is super versatile….make it in the slow cooker or your microwave…depends on how much you need to make.  Though if you use the slow cooker you will want to 4x the recipe so that it doesn’t burn and sort of fills the pot.

 

Stupid 4 Ingredient Taco Dip

1 block cream cheese, softened

1 can refried beans (or use leftover homemade)

1/2 pkg taco seasoning (or make your own)

2 cups shredded cheese

toppings opt: green onion, tomato, black olives, lettuce, sour cream, cilantro

Combine softened cream cheese and taco seasoning in a medium size bowl.  Spread in the bottom of a pie dish (or slow cooker).  Layer on the refried beans.  Top with cheese.  Cook in the microwave until it’s all hot and bubbly (3-5 minutes).  Or cook in slow cooker on low for an hour or so.  Add additional toppings before serving, if desired.

Easy Yogurt Dip

Easy Yogurt Dip

I had a yogurt party a few weeks ago and asked friends to bring over their favorite yogurt-inspired dish.  This was probably the hit of the evening.  It is so easy that there isn’t much to say about it.  It was perfect for dipping veggies and pita bread in.

Easy Yogurt Dip

6 cups Greek yogurt                                                                                                                                                                      2 tsps salt                                                                                                                                                                                           pepper, garlic

In a large bowl, stir the salt into the yogurt.  Spoon the yogurt into the center of a piece of doubled cheesecloth.

Pull corners together and tie tightly. Suspend from a stationary object (spoon, dowel rod, etc) over a bowl to catch the liquid. Let this hang overnight or up to 12 hours.

When it is well drained it should be the consistency of cottage cheese. Remove from the cloth.  Add is a little pepper and minced garlic for a mild dip.  Store covered in the refrigerator until needed.

Other options include: fresh or dried herbs or maybe some olive oil and lemon juice.  Get creative!

Fruit Kabobs with Dip

Fruit Kabobs and Dip

Today, I am continuing to share my recipes from my daughter’s recent birthday princess tea party.  I love the simplicity of these fruit kabobs with dip.  They are so easy and tasty…no one will ever know that it has only two ingredients.  Thanks to my friend, Heather, who shared her “recipe” with me.

We had so much fun and the girls really loved this easy and healthy treat!

Fruit Kabobs with Dip

I’m not going to tell you how to put fruit on a stick.  I’m sure you can figure that part out. I used an assortment of melons and pineapple, but any fruit will go nicely with this dip.

Fruit Dip
1 cup vanilla yogurt
1/4 cup lemon curd

Combine both in a store in the fridge until ready to use.  If you can’t find vanilla yogurt, then use a plain yogurt and add a splash of real vanilla extract (not imitation).

Told ya it was easy.