My Favorite Party Dips!

• Spicy Baked Feta with Tomatoes & Thyme

• Extra Creamy Guacamole (with my secret ingredient)

• Baked Fontina with Garlic & Herbs

• Easy Homemade Hummus

Spicy Baked Feta with Tomatoes & Thyme

Ingredients:

1 block feta cheese (about 8 oz)
Olive oil (I used the chili flavored olive oil from Brightland)
1 pinch dried oregano
2 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes (can use more for additional spice)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme
1/2 cup chopped cherry tomatoes

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. In a small ovenproof baking dish, drizzle a small amount of olive oil on the bottom. Place feta cheese block on top of oil. Sprinkle with oregano, pepper flakes and thyme. Cover cheese and fill the sides of the dish with tomatoes. Drizzle a bit more oil on top of everything.

Bake in the oven until cheese and tomatoes soften (about 15 minutes). Serve with your favorite crackers, pita chips or bread. Enjoy!

Extra Creamy Guacamole (with my secret ingredient)

Ingredients:

3 avocados, pitted, peeled and cut into small pieces
1/4 cup diced red onion
2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro
1/4 cup diced tomatoes
Juice from 1 fresh lime
1 tablespoon of sour cream (this is my secret ingredient! It makes the guacamole extra creamy)
1 teaspoon of Tabasco (can be adjusted depending on your desired spice level)
Salt & pepper to taste
Tortilla chips for serving

Directions:

Combine all ingredients (except the chips) in a bowl and mix well until you achieve desired consistency. I like my guacamole on the chunky side, but you can continue mixing if you want it smoother. Serve with tortilla chips. Enjoy!

Baked Fontina with Garlic & Herbs

Ingredients:

8 oz. Fontina cheese cut into cubes
1 garlic clove, minced 
1 tablespoon minced fresh thyme
1 tablespoon minced fresh rosemary
¼ teaspoon pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
Sliced and toasted baguette for serving

Directions:

Heat oven to broil. In a small cast iron pan or high-heat oven safe dish, spread cheese evenly on the bottom. Sprinkle garlic, herbs and pepper on top and finish with drizzle of olive oil. Broil for 5 minutes until cheese is melted. Serve with toasted baguette slices.

Easy Homemade Hummus

Ingredients:

1 can garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
2 garlic cloves, chopped
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon olive oil

Directions:

Add all ingredients to a food processor and blend until smooth. Serve with vegetables, warm pita bread and a drizzle of olive oil!