MasterChef’s Ailsa von Dobeneck dazzles with dips

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Ailsa von Dobeneck (AB ’07) currently works as the government relations manager for Norfolk Southern Corporation in Washington D.C., but most people know her as a contestant on season 6 of Fox’s hit TV show MasterChef. She was more than up to the task of sharing a tailgating recipe with the Bulldog Nation when we asked her to participate in our Tasty Tailgating series. Without further ado, let’s dive into the dips!

The best time of year is here and we are ready to watch the Dawgs win between the hedges. With every game comes an epic tailgate. Be prepared for a big crowd with these amazingly easy dips. They are packed with flavor and can be made ahead of time.

Sweet Corn Dip

Sweet corn is one of the South’s most celebrated summer treats. Instead of enjoying it on the cob, try having it in a creamy dip. The first time I had corn dip, it had a mayo base. I was in search of the same flavor but with a lighter ingredient list. Use lite sour cream and cream cheese to get the same flavor but with less calories. Add some garlic, and the flavor is out of this world.

Ingredients

  • 1 can whole kernel corn
  • 1 can 10 oz. Rotel, drained
  • 2 cups lite sour cream
  • 1/2 c. cream cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Colby jack cheese
  • 1 1oz. pkg. Ranch dressing mix
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Chopped cilantro, to chop

Directions

Combine all ingredients. Stir well and chill until ready to serve.

Vanilla Fruit Dip

Fruits need love too! An easy vanilla dip makes the perfect companion for strawberries, melon and apples. Make sure to keep this one chilled as long as possible before serving. You can also experiment with flavors (try strawberry yogurt next time) to keep the crowds coming back.

  • 32 oz. low fat vanilla yogurt
  • 8 oz. whipping cream
  • 1 package of vanilla pudding mix
  • 2 tbsp honey (optional)
  • Sprinkle of ground cinnamon
  • Fruit for dipping, washed

Directions

Whip cream in a large mixing bowl until stiff peaks form. Set aside. Combine cream, yogurt, and pudding mix in a serving dish. Stir well, cover, and allow to sit for two hours in fridge. Remove from refrigerator. Stir again and top with a sprinkle of cinnamon and honey before serving.

Missed our first Tasty Tailgating post? Check it out now!