Vegetable Basket with Ranch Dip

It's a special occasion. Dress a basket up with leafy kale and offer some stepped-up variations of Ranch Dip that will add a sophisticated touch to any graduation party.

Ingredients:

Fresh vegetables such as carrots, zucchini, celery, cucumber, grapes, tomatoes, bell pepper

2 bunches of kale

Ranch Dip Mix

4 Cups sour cream

1 green onion, diced

1 tomato, diced

1/2 Cup minced bell pepper

1/2 Cup chunky salsa

1/2 Cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

2 Tablespoons chopped cilantro

Directions:

1. Cut and slice the vegetables into sticks. 

2. Cut the red bell peppers in half and remove the membranes and seeds. Using a star-shaped cookie cutter, cut red bell pepper in star shapes to honor the Star Student.

3. Line the basket with fresh kale. Begin by arranging kale leaves around the perimeter of the basket, making sure leaves extend above the basket's edge. As you place the vegetables in the basket, surround each one with kale leaves, separating each vegetable into its own compartment.

Ranch Dip Variation 1: Mix the dry ranch dip mix with 2 cups of sour cream. Add diced green onion and tomato. Garnish with a grape tomato sliced in half.

Ranch Dip Variation 2: Mix the dry ranch dip mix with 2 cups of sour cream. Add salsa, jack cheese and garnish with chopped cilantro.

The vegetable basket may be assembled the morning of the party. Cover with a slightly damp paper towel and refrigerate. Dips may also be made early, covered and refrigerated.