Yummy and Quick Dip Recipes for the 4th of July

Quick and easy 4th of July recipes can be hard to find. It is my pleasure to share a few recipes that I have found. Most 4th of July recipes center around grilling outside or the BBQ. So, let me pass along a few quick and easy recipes that can accompany that kind of meal. All of the recipes are for larger crowds. The first recipe will fool anyone into thinking you have spent a lot of time preparing this great salsa. The recipe an also be amended to your own taste without great effort.

Ron's Salsa

1 Jar pre-made salsa, about 12 oz.

2 standard cans of Mexican style stewed tomatoes

1 bunch fresh cilantro (can find in grocery by the fresh parsely)

? diced onion

1 clove minced garlic or 1 tsp. garlic powder

1 bunch diced green onions

1 tsp. cumin

1 tsp. oregano

1 tsp. sugar ( to cut acid)

Choose whatever heat you want in your pre-made salsa. Put stewed tomatoes in a large bowl and use a hand blender to chop up tomatoes to the size you prefer. Add all other ingredients. We prefer a lot of cilantro, but you can adjust it to your preference. Cut off the roots of the cilantro and use everything else. Chop the cilantro, along with leaves and stems into tiny pieces and mix in. Try to let set in the refrigerator overnight, for the flavors to mingle. Great with corn chips, vegetables, taco salads, grilled meats, etc.

Another quick and easy recipe for the 4th is a great dip that our family has amended over the years. We are asked to bring it to most gatherings and there is never anything left.

Creamy Dip

1 sm. bottle ranch dressing

1 smallest jar of real mayonnaise

1 8 oz. sour cream

2 tsp. dill

1 tsp. garlic powder or 1 clove minced garlic

1 tsp. celery seed

2 stalks celery, minced fine

1 sm. onion, minced fine

? tsp. celery seed

? tsp black pepper

? red pepper flakes

? tsp cumin

? tsp oregano

salt to taste

Mix all of the above together and let set in the refrigerator overnight. This allows the flavors to mix well. We use this dip for a vegetable tray. Our friends have expanded its use to buffalo wings and even gyros. Enjoy!

Our last contribution to the 4th of July festivities is a great dip for fruits. It is really quite surprising the first time you try it. This recipe tastes just like caramel but is much better for you.

Cream Cheese Caramel Dip

2 blocks of cream cheese-must be room temperature

? cup brown sugar, firmly packed

1 tsp vanilla

Mix well and leave in refrigerator until serving. Then, put out about 15 minutes before serving. Although, best with apples, it is great with most fruit. I have used this recipe over a warm coffee cake as a drizzle. YUM!

I hope that everyone enjoys the quick and easy recipes that we use for the 4th of

July.

By Brenda Gibson