Dips aren't just for chips and vegetable sticks. With a handful of ingredients -- marshmallow creme, cream cheese and seasonings -- and little effort, you can make a fluffy, sweet dip that pairs well with all types of fresh fruit. Serve it as an appetizer, an after-school snack or as a simple party dessert. The dip keeps well in the refrigerator for a day; make it ahead and store it in an airtight container to avoid last-minute scrambling at serving time. Stir it thoroughly before eating.
Basic Marshmallow Fruit Dip
Unwrap room-temperature cream cheese and place it in a large mixing bowl.
Add marshmallow creme to the bowl. Use 7 ounces of creme for every 8 ounces of cream cheese.
Use a large mixing spoon to thoroughly combine the cream cheese and marshmallow creme.
Wash the citrus fruit. Pat dry with a paper towel or a dish cloth.
Use a zester, microplane or the small holes of a box grater to zest the fruit. Stir zest into the cream cheese and marshmallow creme mixture, adding enough to suit your taste preference.
Cut the citrus fruit and juice it. Add a small amount to the dip mixture. Stir well, taste and add more, as needed.
Add seasonings, such as ground ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla or lemon extract or minced fresh herbs like mint, if desired. Stir to combine all the ingredients before serving.
- Kate Van Vleck/Demand Media