While I’m learning to cook more variety and slowly enjoying the process more, cooking is still not my passion. Frankly, I don’t have the time to spend too much, well, time on the process. I do, however, like to entertain and hang out with family and friends, and I need to feed these wonderful people, which leads me to seeking out easy, yet tasteful dishes.

Winter is typically when I book gatherings with people. It keeps me distracted from not being able to bike, hike and play outside in the snowy, cold weather, while providing fun moments with those I care most for. These easy recipes are some of my favorites – and my guests’ favorites too as I never have left overs. Haha. The recipes have been passed on to me from a friend of a friend of a friend, or I’ve put my own variation on them over time. I hope you enjoy them too!

Mediterranean Dip

What you’ll need:
8 oz cream cheese, softened
8 oz original hummus
1 cucumber, chopped
2.25 oz can black olives, sliced
4 oz crumbled feta cheese
1 12-oz box pita crackers (any preferred crackers)

Directions:
Spread softened cream cheese on 9″ circle platter (I use a pie plate). Spread hummus over cream cheese. Sprinkle feta cheese over hummus, followed by cucumbers and black olives. Keep chilled until ready to serve.

No-Bean Taco Dip

What you’ll need:
8 oz sour cream
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 packet taco seasoning (I use low sodium)
2 cups shredded cheddar or Mexican cheese
2-3 cups shredded lettuce
1 small green pepper, diced
1 small tomato, diced
2.25 oz can black olives, sliced
1 12-oz bag tortilla chips

Directions:
Use hand mixer to combine sour cream, cream cheese and taco seasoning together until smooth. Spread on medium to large platter. Sprinkle cheese over mixture, then lettuce. Sprinkle green pepper, tomato and black olives. You can add other toppings, such as red peppers. Keep chilled until ready to serve with tortilla chips.

Peanut Butter Dip

What you’ll need:
1 cup yogurt  (I use plain Greek)
1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 Tbsp honey
2-3 sliced bananas
1-2 sliced apples
Strawberries
Grapes

Directions:
Add ingredients to small bowl and whisk until smooth. While I suggested various fruits above, you can serve with any fruit, or food, you’d like. I have even served with pretzel rods. The dip should be stored in airtight container in the refrigerator (up to 4 days).