Tuesday, March 11, 2014

March Madness Dips for Basketball

NCAA Men/s & Women's Basketball Championships are coming.  March and early April are crazy months for basketball in the USA.  The big one is, of course, the Division I Men's Championships.  But Division II and III also have their championships at this time.  Not to mention the women's side of all these tournaments goes on at the same time.

The 2nd & 3rd weekends of March gets everyone through their league tournaments and then you have the announcement of the teams going to the big dance that 3rd weekend.  If your team is in it, then it's basketball party watching time.

My excited this year as my almamater, Creighton University Bluejays, are having an outstanding year so far. I'll be watching them and others as the games play out.

What's a person to do with so many games and weekends involved for party food? Don't want to get bored with the food and beverage during these sometimes stressful games.  So I guess it will take a little game plan just like the teams are doing to get ready.

There are always a few staples that you can have game in and game out.  But you need to change up the menu just to keep everyone guessing what's next.  The b-ball coaches do this with their offense and defense each game.  Yes they have that core but there is always a few different wrinkles for each team they face.

The easiest place for you to put in few wrinkles is in the snacking area.  Offer different dips or salsas for each party day.  It doesn't matter if you're hosting or bringing something to a friends place.  Have something different each time.

I'm giving you two quick, easy and different dips to try out this year.  The first one is "Spicy Mustard Dip" and it goes well with veggies or pretzels of any kind.  The second dip recipe is for a "Cannellini Bean Dip" works with pita chips.  As I mentioned earlier, both are quick and easy to make.

Also, don't forget that there are plenty of great recipes already in the links above.  I'm just going to remind you of a few dips and salsas to mix and match with these two new recipes.

To start, there standard Mexican ones like Guacamole (Villa del Arco) (V), Mango Salsa (V) and Tomato Corn Salsa (V).  Then a few dips like Party Shrimp DipRoasted Red Pepper & Artichoke Dip (V), Greek Layered Dip (V) and Matt's Hot Artichoke Dip (V).

These are dips and salsas out of the "Odds & Ends" recipe tab above.  There are some other recipes that would make for great items to offer at any of the b-ball parties too.  Of course, under some of the other recipe tabs there are some other neat offerings for these events.  Check them out and "Happy Cooking" too.  I also hope your team or teams do well in any of the different divisions (men's & women's).

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