Unfortunately, I failed to take a picture of this dip. I had a few other dishes that I was simultaneously preparing at the time, and somehow this dip escaped being immortalized on camera or by pressing the “take picture” feature on my cell phone. I truly don’t know how this happened. But search as I may, any picture that I might have taken of the beautiful bowl of dip surrounded by crudité that I had lovingly washed, cut, and placed on the platter, is nowhere to be found. And that’s a darn shame too. Because you would have loved the presentation! So, you will just have to envision the dip and crudité as possibly the most beautiful thing you have ever seen. And thank you for that.

Now, about this dip. Easy to make, no fancy ingredients, and absolutely delicious! A perfect appetizer. Because as glorious and rich as most appetizers tend to be, there comes a time when everyone’s taste buds scream for something a little less precious. Like a carrot stick, for example. But even then, a bit of dip could be considered warranted. (To offset the pedestrian flavor of a piece of carrot, or celery, or red pepper or whatever justification your conscience finds acceptable at the time.) (Believe me, I am well aware of this type of “justification” phenomenon!)

Anyway, what I am trying to say is that this dip is fabulous. And such an easy recipe to prepare.

So, next time you have guests for either a simple dinner or a party, serve this as one of your appetizers. And I say one of your appetizers, because unless you are serving an appetizer salad, large shrimp cocktail, or something as substantial as stuffed mushrooms, it is nice to give your guests at least three nibbly choices. And these do not have to be fancy. A small bowl of nuts, a few small chunks of cheese, cornichons, small chunks of hard salami, or a soft cheese like cambozola to spread on artisanal crackers. These are just a few examples of perfect little bits of food that your guests can enjoy while drink requests are being taken and said drinks prepared.

Even if you are serving chili and cornbread for dinner, little bits of “something” before dinner always feel like a treat. Because if your dinners at home are anything like ours, we don’t have appetizers when it’s just the two of us. Dessert either.

But when there are guests for dinner, well that’s a different story. We want our guests to feel like having dinner with us is a treat. Something different than just having dinner at home. So, a few little munchies before sitting down to dine is an easy way to provide a feeling of celebration to the occasion. And isn’t that what we all should be doing – spreading festivity wherever we can.

Peace and love to all.

¾ c. sour cream

¾ c. mayonnaise

2 tsp. dried minced onions

1½ tsp. dried parsley flakes

½ tsp. seasoned salt, or more to taste

freshly ground black pepper

rounded ¼ tsp. granulated garlic

¼ tsp. dried dill

¼ tsp. paprika

2 tsp. fresh lemon juice

Place all the ingredients in a bowl and mix well to combine. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, but overnight is better. Serve with any of your favorite cut veggies.