Whether for a New Years' Eve party, a family birthday or a picnic, home-made dips are an inexpensive way to impress and entertain.

No matter what the occasion, every loves it when the platters of dips and appetisers come out at a party. Crackers and a variety of dips make great appetisers, particular when teamed with fruit platters or cheese plates. They are also great for movie nights or casual get togethers with friends. Homemade dips look impressive, but they are generally quick and easy to prepare. With a few basic ingredients and some easy dip recipes, it is easy to provide something tasty at short notice.

Don’t forget that there are a several options when serving dips. Sweet dips can be served with fresh fruit or wafers. Savoury dips can be served with crackers, water crackers, mini toasts, damper/cobb loaf, vegetable sticks, or lavash bread (broken into pieces and baked in a moderate oven for 5 – 8 minutes until crisp).

Spinach Dip

250g sour cream

1 packet spring vegetable soup mix

250g packet frozen spinach (or equivalent fresh spinach, steamed and finely chopped)

crackers to serve

Mix sour cream, soup mix and spinach together. Once combined, place the dip in a bowl and serve with a variety of crackers. As an alternative, serve the dip with pieces of fresh damper/Cobb loaf. The damper can be hollowed out with the dip inside the roll with the removed loaf torn into pieces to be used to serve. The ‘shell’ of the damper can then be progressively torn off and eaten.

Corn Relish Dip

250g jar corn relish

5 tablespoons sour cream

2 eggs, hard boiled and chopped (optional)

Mix relish and sour cream in a small bowl until combined. Add chopped boiled egg and stir gently until mixed. Serve with crackers or vegetable sticks.

Layered Nacho-style dip

250g cream cheese

½ cup sour cream

1 avocado, peeled and mashed

1 clove garlic, crushed

1 tablespoon lemon juice

375g jar tomato salsa

½ cup grated tasty cheese

1 packet taco seasoning

Mix cream cheese and sour cream with electric beater for 4 minutes or until smooth. Add taco seasoning to taste. Spoon into a large, flat (8 cup size) serving dish.

Combine avocado, garlic and lemon juice and spread over cream cheese mixture.

Pour over a layer of salsa and top with grated cheese. Serve with savoury crackers or corn chips.

Yoghurt Dip with Fruit

½ cup (120mL) thickened cream

4 tablespoons fruit yoghurt

Whip cream. Gently fold through yoghurt until well blended. Serve with fresh fruit such as strawberries, pieces of apple, banana or pear, or segments of orange or mandarin.

Add the personal touch to any social event by preparing one of these delicious appetiser recipes.