March 23 is Chips and Dip Day

Did you know that today is Chip and Dip Day? Neither did I, but I can definitely see the potential for fun in celebrating such a holiday! Kids tend to love chips, with or without dip. And moms love chips, too… sometimes a little too much. While your first thought at “chips and dip” might be regular potato chips with French onion dip, there are a lot of varieties that you could try, some healthier than others. Here are some fun snacks to try on Chip and Dip Day, or anytime!

• Apple (or Banana) Chips and Peanut Butter Dip  You can buy apple or banana chips, or simply slice the fruit on your own and call it “chips.” You could also use your dehydrator, if you  have one, to make real fruit chips. For the dip, mix peanut butter with enough honey to make a dip-like consistency. If you end up adding too much honey, thicken it up a little with powdered milk. This gives the dip a bigger protein boost, too!
• Tortillas and Spinach Dip  You probably already know how to make onion dip with a package of onion soup and a container of sour cream. Thaw a package of frozen chopped spinach, press out the water, and add that too for a delicious and more nutritious dip for your chips. (As a side note, you could also dip baby carrots of chunks of bread in this dip!)
• Veggie Chips With Salsa  Have you tried Terra Chips? These are a family favorite at my house! Several varieties are available, including sweet potato chips, parsnip chips and yuca chips. These are excellent on their own, but if you want some type of dip, try a fresh salsa or a jarred one with corn and beans for a bit of excitement.
• Chips and Guacamole  If your family likes avocados, then guacamole might become a favorite dip. It’s so easy to make: Just mash up two ripe avocados with a fork, then stir in a squirt of lemon juice and about 1/4 cup of your favorite salsa. If you don’t have salsa, chop up a tomato and add cilantro and garlic powder to the avocado. This is great with tortilla chips or bagel chips. One caveat: avocado tends to turn brown if you don’t eat it right away, so make this shortly before serving it. The lemon juice will help, and so will covering it tightly and putting it in the refrigerator, but I’ve never had good luck with storing guacamole overnight.

Chips and dip don’t necessarily have to be a “junk food” snack. What are your favorite dips to dip your chips in?