Monday, April 21, 2008

Little Dippers

I LOVE Wondertime magazine. Best parent magazine out there. Our dinner tonight was inspired by an article in the new issue. The idea is to serve appetizers (or dips) as your main course! Perfect for a night like tonight, when daddy is working late.

We made white bean dip, and guacamole (they also listed an enchilada dip, which would add meat to the meal). We used whole wheat chips, oat bran pretzels and carrot sticks as our "dippers". Protein, fiber, vegetables....check, check, check! So while they LOVED this dinner, and felt like they were getting away with something sneaky, I loved it too! Easy, and wholesome! I've never seen them eat so many carrot sticks!

White Bean Dip
2 (15 oz) cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
3/4 tsp. kosher salt
1/8 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
pinch thyme
3 T. olive oil
2 T. lemon juice
1 large clove garlic, pressed (we used 2!)

Blend all ingredients in a food processor until very smooth, adding a tablespoon or two of hot water if the beans seem disinclined to become creamy.

The magazine printed a "silken guacamole" made with silken tofu, but we just used our regular guacamole recipe. Other ideas for dippers include: pita chips, snow peas, bell peppers, celery sticks, lightly steamed broccoli, sugar snap peas and green beans!

Finally, dessert...of course...chocolate fondue! (the easy microwave kind...no need to knock yourself out!) Yummy Dinner! Although Dave is probably not too sad to have missed this one. I am not sure he believes "dips" constitute a meal!

10 comments:

Stacy F said...

ohhh good idea! I'm gonna have to steal that one :)

Zach 'n' Jack said...

awesome!! We are definitely trying this out - Keegan has always loved to dip stuff, this is a great idea! Not to mention fabulous in hot weather....

K2 said...

You are such a cute mom! I love the dippers idea. Too cute!

dixonfamily said...

That is a fabulous idea! I will definitely use this the next time Jeff is out of town. Hope all if well in Texas!

Missy said...

I'm always inspired when I come to your blog Tara. I seriously love it. I'm totally trying this bean dip, it looks SO good.

Can you just take photos of each part of your house so I can get ideas for mine? I'm always searching in the background of your photos for new ideas/things I can copy:)

Nicole said...

awesome mommy! first off, that meal sounds super yummy and i bet the kiddies loved dipping and the whole finger food aspect. AND you got them enjoying veggies and fiber and protein... good stuff :)

Erin S said...

So glad you shared! Carter is obsessed with dipping stuff. Thanks for sharing! I will have to check out that magazine.

Lisa said...

You are such a cute mom with such fun ideas! Good Job. I will have to check out that magazine- I haven't heard of it.

kat and jason said...

you have the best ideas and always seem like you are martha stewart mom.basically you rock!!cool ideas. i will use that next time jason is out of town. ps...you sound great!! what is your secret?? we need to talk soon...i'm getting stir crazy.

Lori Garcia said...

Love the dips idea. Wondertime is awesome, huh? I love going to their website and downloading the cutting projects and how they have two sets of lines. One for new cutters and one for advanced kiddos. Very cool. Love the Ikea bowels and plates. Gotta love them, too!