Nothing goes better with summertime than a nice dip. As we return to school, here are two dip recipes that go two different ways. This fruit dip is the perfect treat on a warm, sunny day. The taco dip is perfect for get togethers with friends as you plan your fall return to school.

Fresh Fruit Dip

Ingredients

1/2  cup packed brown sugar

1  package cream cheese, softened

1  cup  sour cream

1 1/2 teaspoons  vanilla extract

1  cup  frozen Cool Whip, thawed

A dash of lemon juice

Preparation

• Beat brown sugar and cream cheese at medium speed with an electric mixer until smooth

• Add sour cream, vanilla, beating until blended and smooth

• Fold in Cool Whip

• Garnish with sprinkles of brown sugar

• Cover and chill

• Serve with assorted fruit such as pineapples, strawberries and grapes.

Tasty Taco Dip

Ingredients

1  can (16 ounces) refried beans

1  container (16 ounces) sour cream

1  package taco seasoning mix

2  cups  (8 ounces) shredded Cheddar cheese

1  cup  prepared guacamole

1  cup  chopped tomatoes

1/2  cup  sliced green onions

1/2  cup  sliced black olives

Tortilla chips

Preparation

• Spread refried beans in shallow serving dish.

• Mix sour cream and seasoning mix in small bowl until well blended. Spread over refried beans.

• Top with layers of cheese, guacamole, tomato, onions and olives. Serve with tortilla chips.

–Megan Bicevskis and Amanda Allen, The Patriot Press