Spicy Cheese Dip

Softened sour cream.

Shredded hard cheese of your choice (mozzarela is not a good choice).

Salsa of your choice.

Mix equal parts of all ingredients and warm on stove top (low) or microwave until melted.

Yale's Marinade

1 cup of soy sauce

1/4 cup of sugar in the raw, or brown sugar

3 tablespoons of fresh grated ginger

3 tablespoons of minced / pressed garlic

Fresh cracked or whole black pepper as desired

This is a pretty strong marinade, and produces a candied like tasted.

<<<< No need to marinade for very long (30 minutes is fine). >>>>

Variate by adding 1 tablespoon of chipotle, or other minced / mottled / pressed fresh hot pepper. Add a pinch of salt to the freshly chopped pepper before adding to the other flavors.

Almond Yogurt Dip

Jaida will eat her carrot sticks with this one. Apples might be good too.

1.5 tablespoons of slivered or whole almonds

2-3 heaping tablespoons of natural yogurt

1/4 teaspoon freshly grated ginger

1/4 teaspoon mustard seed

1 tablespoon honey

S & P

Mash almonds in a mortar and pestal, or run through food processor until no large pieces remain. *(Add a pinch of salt if the almonds are unsalted)

Mix together ginger & mustard seed with a tiny pinch of salt.

Stir in almonds.

Add honey (and a pinch more of salt if you like), then yogurt.

*Tip: Let the kids add / measure the honey to remind them that they like it.