Dips are the essence of every party menu. They accentuate and enhance the flavor of the dullest of food items and embellish the texture and taste of breads, chips, crackers and otherwise bland dippers. Dips can be made by either baking and cooking or simply blending. If you are low on time and inclination to go elaborate on dips, check out these no bake quick and easy dips to sooth your palate and senses!
Zesty Green coriander and basil dip
The best part about this dip is that it is light on stomach and gets made in a jiffy. Blend basil leaves, coriander, Greek yogurt, olive oil, vinegar black pepper, red pepper and some green onions in a food processor and blend it for about ten times. Empty the jar into a bowl and chill overnight. Serve this party dip with sides and appetizers and see how your guests relish this tasty treat!
Salmon and Dill Dip
This is a great party dip to be served with a variety of crackers, cocktails and even breads! To blend this lip smacking dip, add sour cream, tabasco, mayonnaise, dill and smoked salmon in a blender and pulse until you get an even and rich consistency. You could also add herbs and seasonings to taste. This dip is a total crowd pleaser and works wonderfully well during party brunches and evening cocktails alike!
Ten-minute Tangy tomato dip
This is best enjoyed on a day out with friends and family. To make the dip, put sun dried tomatoes, sour cream, mayonnaise, tabasco and kosher salt in a jar and blend well. Garnish with chopped scallion and serve with fresh veggie sticks!
Black beauty dip
This may not look like one of the most appetizing dips but it surely is the most flavorful and punchy! Made with black bean, onion, cumin, lime, jalapenos, garlic and water, this blend is certainly going to blow your mind! Packed with a bunch of tantalizing flavors this black beauty will receive a special mention among all your guests!
Hummus
This tried and tested dip is a total favorite among guests and when it’s homemade the excitement only gets multiplied. This recipe is super easy to whip up. In a blender, add soaked or canned chickpea, sesame tahini, lemon juice, roughly chopped garlic, cumin, olive oil, pepper and salt. Pulse the mixture till you get a velvety smooth consistency. You could set aside this creamy dip and sprinkle some parsley and paprika on top. This Mediterranean twist to your party menu is a great way to tickle all taste buds!
We are a coffee-drinking nation and every form of the beverage – decaf, regular, expresso, latte, cappuccino, macchiato and ristretto is consumed everyday by millions of us. It’s the first thing we need in the morning and the last (for some) after dessert. Black, with cream, with sugar, no sugar, flavored, each of us has a preference with regard to strength. Nespresso’s taken heed of this and given us a gift in a pod with the Nespresso capsules. Available in the regular Arabica and Robusta capsules, they have some amazing seasonal flavors as well.
Nespresso capsules are hermetically sealed in a capsule that holds 5-7 gms of coffee – enough for one serving of coffee. They offer five ranges in Ristretto (25ml), Espresso (40 ml), Lungo (110 ml), Decaffeinated (40 ml and 110 ml) or Flavored (40 ml).
The variations in Nespresso coffee capsules Ristretto range are:
Ristretto Origin – Made from South and Central American Arabicas, it has toasted flavors with cocoa notes and woody undertones.
Ristretto Origin India – A blend of the finest Arabicas with a smidgen of Robusta from Southern India, this full-bodied coffee has hints of spices.
Ristretto Intenso – A strong blend of South and Central American Robustas and Arabicas, the Ristretto Intenso is a full-bodied coffee with a creamy texture and peppery notes.
The variations in Nespresso coffee capsules Espresso range are:
Espresso Origin Brazil: A pure Arabica coffee, it has a mild sweet flavor.
Espresso Leggero: A blend of South American Arabicas and Robusta, it has smooth notes of cocoa and cereal.
Espresso Forte: Exclusively made from South and Central American Arabicas, it has an intensely roasted balance of espresso and fruity notes.
The variations of Nespresso coffee capsules Lungo range are:
Lungo Leggero: Lightly roasted East African, South and Central American Arabicas, with mild notes of jasmine is what makes up this delicious brew.
Lungo Forte: A complex mix of South and Central American Arabicas, this coffee has heavy roasted notes with a slight hint of fruit.
Lungo Origin Guatemala: A mix of Arabica and washed Gourmet Robusta coffee, Lungo Origin Guatemala is smooth and well balanced with dry and malty cereal notes.
The variations of Nespresso coffee capsules in the Decaffeinated range are:
Espresso Decaffeinato: Dark roasted South American Arabicas with a touch of Robusta enhances the cocoa flavors and roasted cereal undertones of this decaffeinated espresso.
Lungo Decaffeinato: This is a slightly more complex blend of separately roasted South American and East African Arabicas. It includes toasted cereal and sweet notes with subtle and floral hints of East African Arabicas.
The variations of Nespresso coffee capsules Flavored range are:
Espresso Vanilla: This silky-flavored coffee is the result of a base of Espresso Forte, which is a complex and heavily-roasted blend of South and Central American Arabicas and a slightly caramelized aroma of vanilla. Espresso Caramel: On a base of Espresso Forte, this complex and intensely roasted blend made from South and Central American Arabicas has the sweetness of caramel.
Here are a few easy and healthy recipe ideas that are both quick to make and light to digest on hot summer days. With very few ingredients, the preparation of these recipes is a breeze. So go on, enjoy these easy, healthy recipes that are brimming with nutrition and taste heavenly too!
Greek Cucumber Rolls
Ingredients (Serves 2)
Directions
This is popular among easy and healthy recipes. Slice cucumber into thin flat strips using a vegetable peeler and arrange them in slices of two on a clean tray. Smear the hummus on top of each slice, then toss some feta cheese, black olives and cut tomatoes on each of the cucumber strips. Squeeze a little lemon juice and sprinkle some finely chopped dill and cilantro. Finally, roll the strips, serve the Greek cucumber rolls and see them being gobbled up by the young and old alike!
Flavorful fettuccine pasta with vegetables
Ingredients (Serves 2)
Directions
Cook the fettuccine pasta according to the directions on the label. In a thick bottomed pan, heat the olive oil and sauté the chopped garlic and shallots. After about a minute or so, add the other vegetables along with salt and toss them gently for a few minutes. The vegetables must cook and be crunchy at the same time. When they are done, add the cooked pasta, Parmesan cheese, and some freshly ground black pepper to it and mix well. Serve this flavorful fettuccine pasta with vegetables for lunch or dinner as a filling, yet light meal.
Sunshine juice
Ingredients (Serves 2)
Direction
Squeeze juice from the oranges and blend the strawberries in a juicer. Then in a pitcher, take the orange juice, strawberry juice, and chilled water together and mix well. Refresh yourself with this yummy sunshine juice with ice cubes on a hot day.