Everybody loves dip! Whether you are planning a party, getting snacks ready for the football game, or just warding of the mid-afternoon munchies, dip is an all-time favorite. There are many different types of dips, so it's easy to come up with one (or several) that please everyone in your family or group. Dips that are made with a cream cheese base are perennial favorites that are easy to prepare. The type you choose is up to you!

Man Dip Recipe

This is my husband's favorite. Some people call it sausage dip and others refer to it as man dip. No matter what name you give it, it is easy to make and delicious!

Ingredients:

2 blocks cream cheese (regular or 1/3 reduced fat; do not use fat free)

1 roll of spicy sausage

2 cans of Rotel

Instructions:

Brown and crumble the sausage. Put all ingredients in a slow cooker. Simmer on low for 2-4 hours. You may also prepare the dip in a microwave. Simply place ingredients in a microwave safe container instead of a Crock Pot and nuke on high for 5 minutes or so. Either way, mix well before serving.

This dip is great served with Triscuit or Town House crackers. It is also good with corn chips and tortilla chips. It tastes so good, it would probably be tasty on just about any type of crunchy food.

Substitution: You can use your favorite salsa or picante sauce instead of Rotel.

Warm Crab Dip Recipe

If you love crabmeat and horseradish, you will adore this recipe!

Ingredients:

1 block cream cheese, softened (regular or 1/3 reduced fat; do not use fat free)

1 small can lump crab meat

3 tablespoons ketchup

1 teaspoon horseradish

Instructions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Stir all ingredients together in an oven safe dish. I usually use a square baking pan. Smooth mixture out in pan and bake for 30 minutes or until hot and bubbly.

This dip is great with most crackers and sturdy chips. My favorite dipper for this dish is Triscuits.

Substitution: If you enjoy salmon dip, try substituting an equivalent amount of canned salmon for the crab. This variety makes awesome tortilla rollups. Just spread a thin layer on tortillas, roll up, chill, and slice.

Fruit Dip Recipe

I love this tasty dip with sliced granny smith apples!

Ingredients:

1 block cream cheese, softened (regular or 1/3 reduced fat; do not use fat free)

4 tablespoons peanut butter

2 tablespoons Davinci vanilla syrup (sugar free or regular)

a dash of cinnamon

Instructions:

Simply mix all the ingredients together. If it is too thick for your preferences, add a little more syrup. You may also microwave it on the "defrost" setting before serving for a softer consistency.

This dip works well with any type of sturdy fruit.

Substitution: If you don't have Davinci syrup, you could try substituting a dash of vanilla extract with water and sugar.