A Simple Holiday Party Dip

By Marilyn Hunter
For The Family Table, a blog for busy families

The holiday season is here and social calendars are quickly filling up. Between decorating, gift shopping and card writing, it can be an overwhelming time. Last weekend, I needed an appetizer in a hurry to bring to a luncheon and made this delicious green olive dip.

When I need a fast and simple appetizer, it’s impossible to go wrong with this recipe. With only three ingredients, it’s a snap to prepare and requires no cooking. The red and green colors of the pimento-stuffed olives make it the perfect choice for a holiday table. I serve it as a dip with vegetables or as a spread for crackers, sliced baguette or crostini. The boys, of course, prefer to eat it with chips but love to use it in place of mayonnaise on their sandwiches, too.

One thing’s for sure, simple recipes allow more time to be spent with your children. And holiday time is family time, even if it can be a bit overwhelming.

Wishing you a joyful holiday season filled with good food, family and friends!

Holiday Party Dip

1 pound cream cheese, at room temperature
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 jar (7 ounces) of pimento-stuffed green olives, coarsely chopped
Chopped scallions, for garnish (optional)

In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, mayonnaise and chopped olives, reserving 2 tablespoons for garnish. Mix well with a wooden spoon.

Garnish with remaining olives and/or scallions, if using. Serve with vegetable crudités, crackers or sliced baguette.

Makes 8 to 10 servings

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