For those of us who love Chips and Dips I wanted to let you know National Chip and Dip Day, is celebrated annually on March 23rd. National Chip and Dip Day celebrates an all-American crowd-pleaser! The question today is who doesn’t love a tasty Chip-and-Dip combo?
I know my family does. How about your family? Don’t you think it would be tough to find that person in the U.S. that didn’t like Chips and Dips because 284.37 million Americans consumed Potato Chips in 2020. That’s a whole lotta Chips isn’t it?
The innovative flavors and a focus on unique cultural varieties have elevated the popularity of this traditionally simple and inexpensive snack. Today, Chips and Dips fit parties of all styles and occasions. I thought I would share some interesting Chip-and-Dip facts to share with your friends and family.
Some of us may know how much the British love their Potatoes which we have them to thank for pioneering the ‘Crisp’ or what Americans call the Potato Chip. While the history of the Crisp started in the early 1800s, legend has it the American Potato Chip began in 1853 in Saratoga Springs, New York
By Chef George Crum. Even if Crum’s Chips weren’t really the first in the US (although no one has stepped up to claim their fame), his recipe resulted in Saratoga Chips, a brand that still exists today. Have you tried Saratoga Chips? I haven’t and I don’t know about Charlie or David but I will ask them.
Did you know the popularity of Potato Chips grew in the U.S. in the early 1900s when Mikesell’s Potato Chip Company began mass production of the snack. Today, Americans eat 1.2 billion pounds of Potato Chips every year!
But, really, isn’t a Potato Chip naked without a Dip? I think so at times but other times Potato Chips are fine without a Dip isn’t it? Did you know Dips have been around for Centuries including Hummus, Tzatziki, and Guacamole, to name a few.
As with their partner, you will find a variety of Dips now being mass-produced including Salsa, Cheese Dips, French Onion and who could forget Ranch Dip everyone’s favorite Dip. Now, I have a question for you. What is your favorite Dip and why?
Chips and Dip have come to be synonymous with the Super Bowl. The second-largest food day in America (behind Thanksgiving), the Super Bowl sparks a mad rush to the Chip and Dip aisle. Chip and Dip sales increase during the week leading up to the Super Bowl by 16%–36%!
So a day dedicated to our favorite finger food is only fitting. Did you know the first year National Chip and Dip Day was recognized is unknown but recent years have prompted a lot more attention on delicious Dip recipes and creative ways to celebrate this dynamic duo. Here’s to another year of festive digging into our favorite Chips and Dips.
National Chip and Dip Day Activities
- If you have the means and the opportunity today make a new dip like Salsa, French Onion, or Hummus. Which are tried and true favorites and often pre-made. To celebrate this year’s #Holiday National Chip and Dip Day, why not make Homemade Dip? Like the popular Buffalo Chicken Dip. I bet you Charlie and David would like to try Buffalo Chicken Dup. Would you want to join them?
- If you have the means and the opportunity plan a friends’ night out at a local pottery painting venue. They typically offer a totally cool and useful Chip and Dip serving bowl which would be simple to paint, fun to use at future parties, and will become a cherished memory of your fun night out. If your #Homeschooling your children take them with you for a fun #Fieldtrip as this could be a Cooking Class if you go home and make Homemade Chips and Dip or a Art Class.
- Chips and Dips are so simple, cheap, and beloved, your friends won’t mind bringing a combo to share in a dippable feast at all. No shame in picking up something store-bought but encourage them to experiment with unique Crackers and Veggies to go with clever Dips.
The History Of Chips And Dip
- Clemson University’s Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition found that someone who double-dips three to six times transfers as many as 10,000 bacteria from their mouth to the Dip still in the bowl. Please don’t double dip ever…
- Tostitos conducted a survey in 2013 revealing 46% of men admit to double-dipping compared to only 32% of women. No, more eating Chips and Dip with men for me. How about you?
- From that same study, 54% said they would stop eating the Dip if they observed a partygoer double-dipping. I would wouldn’t you?
- 25% of those who witness the crime of double-dipping, politely call out the violator.
- 39% of young adults who took part in the Tostitos survey admitted to double-dipping.
Recipe for Homemade Potato Chips
Ingredients
7 unpeeled medium potatoes (about 2 pounds)
2 quarts ice water
5 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1-1/2 teaspoons celery salt
1-1/2 teaspoons pepper
Oil for deep-fat frying
- Using a vegetable peeler or metal cheese slicer, cut potatoes into very thin slices. Place in a large bowl; add ice water and salt. Soak for 30 minutes.
- Drain potatoes; place on paper towels and pat dry. In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, celery salt and pepper; set aside.
- In a cast-iron or other heavy skillet, heat 1-1/2 in. oil to 375°. Fry potatoes in batches until golden brown, 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Remove with a slotted spoon; drain on paper towels. Immediately sprinkle with seasoning mixture. Store in an airtight container.
Homemade Ranch Dip
Ingredients
- ▢3/4 cup mayonnaise
- ▢3/4 cup sour cream
- ▢¼ – 3/4 teaspoon dried dill weed
- ▢1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- ▢1/2 teaspoon dried chives
- ▢1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic or garlic powder
- ▢1/4 teaspoon granulated onion or onion powder
- ▢1/8 teaspoon kosher salt, adjust to taste
- ▢1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ▢1-3 teaspoons fresh lemon juice or white vinegar
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a small bowl. Whisk to combine. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- This dip will keep nicely in the refrigerator for up to a week. Enjoy!
Tips:
You can use the full tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar for this recipe, just feel free to adjust the Dip to your tastes
We like the full ¾ teaspoon of dried dill in this recipe, but again feel free to adjust that to taste as well.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
