DIP IT!

Big Dip Energy isn't just the name of Alyse Whitney's debut cookbook-it's a whole personality type. "Big dip energy is magnetic," she says. "People are drawn to you, like chips to a bowl of dip." The Cosmopolitan food columnist and TV host believes anyone can tap into this trait if there's dip around. Dip is a communal, interactive food and a natural conversation starter, she explains. It can help even the biggest wallflower join the party. Alyse points to herself as proof: "I used to be more reserved at some get-togethers. But I realized that if I brought a dip, everyone would ask me about it. People were drawn to it-and to me." Here, Alyse shares four fun dip recipes to make for your next bash (hello, NYE!). No party on the calendar? No problem! Get one started with a delicious bowl of dip.
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PIZZA YOUR WAY DIP
ACTIVE 25 MIN. ◆ TOTAL 50 MIN. PLUS COOLING ◆ SERVES 4
For white pizza dip
2 Tbsp olive oil
6 garlic cloves, roughly chopped
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper
1 15-oz container whole-milk ricotta cheese
1 8-oz pkg. cream cheese, at room temp
3 Tbsp Knorr Garlic & Herb Sauce Mix (half of 1.6-oz pkg.)
2 oz Parmesan cheese, grated (½ cup plus 2 Tbsp) and divided
8 oz mozzarella cheese, coarsely grated (2 cups) and divided
1/4 cup basil leaves, for garnish
For red sauce pizza dip
Everything above plus 1 cup marinara sauce of your choice (mine is Rao's) For both An assortment of toppings, like pepperoni, thinly sliced onions, cooked crumbled sausage, broccoli, anchovies, or...pineapple Store-bought garlic knots, crostini, or pita chips, for serving
1 Heat oven to 425°F. Heat oil in small skillet on medium-low. Add garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until just starting to brown, 1 to 2 min. Add oregano and crushed red pepper; cook until fragrant, 30 sec.
2 In large bowl, combine ricotta, cream cheese, garlic and herb seasoning, 1/2 cup Parmesan, 1 cup mozzarella, and garlic-oil mixture. Spread into 9-in. pie plate (at least 1/2 in. tall) and top with marinara sauce (if using), remaining 1 cup mozzarella, remaining 2 Tbsp Parmesan, and toppings of your choice.
3 Let dip cool 10 min. Slice basil into thin ribbons and sprinkle on top. Serve immediately with garlic knots, crostini, or pita chips for guaranteed cheese pulls.
Author's "moDIPfication": Adorn your white pizza dip with a hefty drizzle of pesto.
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HOLY CANNOLI DIP
ACTIVE 10 MIN. TOTAL 10 MIN.
SERVES 4
1 15-oz container whole-milk ricotta cheese
1 8-oz container mascarpone cheese
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tsp pure vanilla extract
Zest of 1/2 orange plus 2 Tbsp orange juice
3/4 cup mini chocolate chips, divided
Flaky sea salt
Waffle cones, for serving
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1 Using hand mixer (or stand mixer with whisk attachment) on high speed, whip ricotta, mascarpone and sugar until fluffy and slightly thickened. Add vanilla and orange zest and juice; whip again if it looks thin. Stir in 1/2 cup chocolate chips.
2 Transfer to serving bowl; top with remaining 1/4 cup chocolate chips and a hefty pinch of flaky salt.
3 Serve cones in a resealable plastic bag so people can smash their own cannoli "chips."
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NEW YORK'S HOTTEST CLUB SANDWICH DIP
ACTIVE 35 MIN. + TOTAL 40 MIN. PLUS COOLING + SERVES 4
8 bacon strips, preferably thick-cut
2 pints cherry tomatoes, halved
1 Tbsp olive oil Kosher salt and pepper
1/3 cup mayonnaise
1/3 cup sour cream
1 tsp ranch seasoning
1/2 lb sliced deli turkey, roughly chopped
1/2 lb sliced deli Chedda...