Budget Friendly Entertaining with FoodShouldTasteGood

The harried holiday season is almost upon us and this year home entertainers will look for even more ways to impress their guests without breaking the bank. We wanted to pass along some recipes and information we feel will help your readers elevate the average snacking experience to the extraordinary with fun, festive and flavorful chip & dip recipes made with budget-friendly ingredients left over from holiday meals and desserts.

Chip producers make the process even easier with new, flavorful varieties available on your grocer’s shelf. Brands like FoodShouldTasteGood are making unique flavors like Chocolate, Cinnamon and Sweet Potato that bring a playful and palate-pleasing tone to holiday snacking. Added bonus? Chips like FoodShouldTasteGood chips are also all-natural and gluten free. Below are four recipes created primarily using holiday pantry staples that pair perfectly with FoodShouldTasteGood’s Cinnamon, Chocolate, or Sweet Potato varieties.

Peppermint Fluff Dip
Servers approximately 8 people

1 16 oz container of marshmallow fluff
½ cup crushed peppermint candies
1 tablespoon peppermint extract
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 bag FoodShouldTasteGood Chocolate chips

Combine all ingredients in the bowl of an electric mixer. Mix on low speed until well combined 2-3 minutes. Do not over-mix. Serve with FoodShouldTasteGood Chocolate tortilla chips.

Apple Sage Chutney
Serves approximately 10-12 people

3 tablespoons canola oil
1 vidalia onion, diced small
6 granny smith apples, cored and diced small
½ tablespoon grated ginger
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
½ cup apple cider vinegar
½ cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
¼ cup chiffonade of sage
1 bag FoodShouldTasteGood Sweet Potato chips

Heat canola oil in medium-size pot over medium-high heat, add onions and sauté until translucent, 5-8 minutes. Add apples, ginger and cloves, reduce heat to medium-low and cover. Allow ot sweat, stirring occasionally for about 8-10 minutes or until apples begin to break down. Add vinegar, sugar and butter and bring heat up to medium and allow to simmer until liquid reduces by just over a half, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat, add butter and sage and stir until butter melts. Allow to cool and serve with Food ShouldTasteGood Sweet Potato tortilla chips.

Ginger Snap Dip
Serves approximately 5-8 people

1 pound mascarpone
3 tablespoons grated, fresh ginger
1 teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon cloves
2 tablespoons sugar
¼ cup molasses
2 tablespoon water
1 bag FoodShouldTasteGood Chocolate, Sweet Potato or Cinnamon chips

Place mascarpone in mixing bowl to soften. Combine remaining ingredients in small sauce pan and place on low heat. Heat gently, stirring constantly until sugar is dissolved and all ingredients are combined 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool. When the mixture cools, whisk into softened mascarpone. Serve with FoodShouldTasteGood Chocolate, Sweet Potato or Cinnamon tortilla chips.

Fruit Cake Dip
Serves approximately 8-10 people

½ cup raisins
½ cup golden raisins
½ cup currants
½ cup chopped dried apricots
½ cup dried cherries
½ cup dried cranberries
½ cup chopped dried mango
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 tablespoons molasses
½ cup brown sugar
½ teaspoon allspice
½ cup brandy
½ cup water
1 cup ground almonds
1 bag FoodShouldTasteGood Chocolate, Sweet Potato or Cinnamon chips

Combine all ingredients except for almonds in a medium sauce pan. Place on medium-low heat, stirring frequently. When butter melts and liquid reduces by half remove from heat and stir in almonds. Allow to cool completely and serve with FoodShouldTasteGood Chocolate, Sweet Potato or Cinnamon tortilla chips.