Summer is fast approaching and, as any Greek foodie knows, there is no better social gathering for the season than the ones sharing food with friends and family.

Whether you opt for an indoor meze night, a picnic at the park or a barbecue feast in the backyard, chances are the menu will include a platter with antipasto, crackers, cheese, fruit, and vegetables.

Grazing tables are of course synonymous with dips, as they are easy to plate up and pair with foods, also make snacking fun. After all, they are credited for making simple celery and carrot sticks appealing, gaining ground even amongst picky-eaters, and this is certainly not an easy task!

But perhaps an extra reason behind the popularity of dips is their diverse range of flavour combinations, often inspired by century-long culinary traditions.

Bringing flavours from his homeland of Greece to the tables of Australians is also what inspired Christos Tassios, who set up Chris’ Foods over 35 years ago.
Below we take a look at their latest range of dips to source ideas for satisfying all your snacking needs this summer.

CHRIS’ HERITAGE DIPS & DESSERTS
The food brand’s most recent venture features a selection of gourmet savoury dips and desserts served within European terracotta pots, an add-on feature of the product as pots can be reused for food storage or even for craft creations such as homemade candles.

The Heritage dip range includes four flavours:
– Edam & Fig: A creamy smooth dip combining the distinct tang of Edam cheese with the sweetness of fig and the freshness of a hint of fennel. It comes with a sachet of crushed roasted almonds for garnish and is ideally paired with fresh fruit, dense breads and cold meats.
– Blue Cheese, Fig & Pistachio: A blend reminiscent of the fine dining experience with high-quality soft blue cheese and figs folded with pistachios. A rich red wine helps experience the flavours at their maximum.
– Goat Cheese & Black Truffle: Rich black truffle pieces meet a delicate and slightly tart goat’s cheese in a dip which pairs perfectly with red grapes. Black pepper is recommended for garnish (comes enclosed in a sachet).
– Vintage Cheddar & Caramelised Onion: Ideal for those who find sweet and savoury combos irresistible. Pair it with a glass of Prosecco or sparkling burgundy.
Equally tempting are the dessert options, including Madagascan Vanilla Crème Brûlée, a French style vanilla custard dish; Passionfruit Crème Brûlée, where the creamy texture of the classic dessert is enhanced with the tangy flavour of passionfruit; and Madagascan Vanilla Panna Cotta, a light Greek-style yoghurt Panna Cotta with a delicate vanilla flavour.

 

CHRIS’ MEXICAN-INSPIRED DIPS & SNACK PACKS
Mexican food aficionados will no doubt be delighted with the three flavours added to the range of home-style Chris’ dips, as well as the snack pack option which comes accompanied with corn chips to ensure an authentic Mexican experience for the on-the-go treat.

Combinations include:
– Guacamole: A creamy and spicy avocado dip with jalapeño chillies and a dash of onion, tomato and garlic, finished with a squeeze of lemon juice for zest.
– Spicy Corn, Chilli & Lime: Chunky corn serves as the perfect base to bring out the flavours of the spicy mix of red bell peppers, chilli and lime.
– Tzatziki, Lime & Corriander: This Mexican twist on the classic tzatziki dip combines fresh yoghurt and cucumbers with a hint of lime juice and coriander.

* For tips on making summer themed grazing platters, head to Chris’ Foods website: https://eatloveshare.com.au/recipe_category/grazing-platters/