Delectable dips define the decades

Dips can define certain decades.

1 scant tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, choppedWe're nearing a new decade, and we've come a long way food-wise. Today, most people would probably prefer using fresh chiles with a little more kick, such as jalapenos. And dips are made from a wider variety of ingredients, such as edamame, eggplant, red pepper, mushrooms, goat cheese, tomatillos or black beans.2. Make a yummy casserole. My girl likes rice and cheese, so I make her a cheesy broccoli and brown rice casserole. She won�t eat broccoli by itself, but doesn�t seem to mind it in this dish.3. Stir some pureed carrots or sweet potatoes into macaroni and cheese. The trick with this is to be careful not to change the color or the taste much. Orange or yellow veggies work best here.That was when salsa and hummus were relatively unknown, at least in my neck of the woods.It was a hit, and I served my Cheesy Chile Dip for many years with variations: green onions, sliced olives, different cheeses. I prefer it to the bright orange stuff that comes with nachos.1. Bake fruits or vegetables into quick bread or muffins. My daughter�s favorite are apple-banana muffins.I�ve also found that if you offer the fruit or vegetable at the beginning of a meal when your child is hungriest, as an �appetizer�, he or she is much more likely to try it. Also, remember never to force your child to eat. It can take a lot of extra effort and creative thinking to get your kids to eat what�s good for them. But hey, one day they might thank you for it.2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil1 pound Monterey Jack cheese, shredded1 teaspoon onion powder3. Stir some pureed carrots or sweet potatoes into macaroni and cheese. The trick with this is to be careful not to change the color or the taste much. Orange or yellow veggies work best here.1 large Spanish or 2 large yellow onions (about 1 pound total, finely diced)1. Bake fruits or vegetables into quick bread or muffins. My daughter�s favorite are apple-banana muffins.Golden Onion and Thyme DipFreshly ground black pepperIn Fine Cooking magazine's new "Appetizers" issue, I found an updated onion dip, using real sauteed onions instead of soup mix.There's Asian peanut dip, marinara sauce, and myriad flavors such as curry, wasabi or rosemary.e-mail: vphillips@desnews.com1 16-ounce carton sour cream3 4-ounce cans green chiles (or more to taste)Pita chipsKosher salt4. Offer dried fruits. For example, some kids won�t eat grapes, but like raisins. These are highly portable, too. (Caution - may be a choking hazard for young toddlers.)6 tablespoons sour creamThe '70s, when I was living on my own, was the "gooshy food" era of quiche, crepes, broccoli-cheese casseroles and hot, creamy dips laced with spinach or canned crab. I remember serving several kinds of dips with chips and veggies for a New Year's Eve party.1 teaspoon garlic powder

e-mail: vphillips@desnews.com