One of the best things about summer celebrations is the food. People get to show off their culinary skills, usually in the form of dips, snacks, and appetizers. Finger food is exactly what you want at a potluck, picnic, barbecue,  or cookout. Although you can use slow cookers, Instant Pots, or grills to make main dishes, they don’t have anything on snacks and apps! That’s why this article is all about dippin’ and chippin’.

The truth is that people will eat almost any dip at a party or gathering, so long as it is tasty. We don’t mess around with flavor here at Dherbs! Every dish you make needs to impress your taste buds, but that doesn’t mean each dip requires a long list of ingredients. As with most recipes, the quality of the ingredients is what makes the dish. If you make vegan bruschetta, for example, opt for heirloom tomatoes in place of Roma tomatoes. Quality ingredients elevate an average dish to something spectacular!

Why make your own dips when there are so many dip options in grocery stores? This is a valid question, and the simplest answer is that almost every store bought dip contains processed ingredients and preservatives. Do you want to worry about high sodium levels when you are dipping on Labor Day? We didn’t think so. With the following dips, you can both enjoy their flavors and feel good about eating them. If you make some of the dips, drop a comment to let us know if you enjoy them!

Chile De Arbol Salsa

Chile de Arbol salsa is fresh and easy to make. With a tomato base, this roasted salsa is incredibly tasty with just a little kick.

Click here to make the recipe. 

Raw Vegan Pineapple Salsa

Juicy, refreshing, and the perfect combination of spicy & sweet, this raw vegan pineapple salsa is one that you’ll save in your recipe book!

Click here to make the recipe. 

The Best Guacamole Ever

When you make food in an authentic way, it tends to taste beyond delicious. That’s why this dip is the best guacamole ever.

Click here to make the recipe. 

Vegan Pumpkin Seed Hummus

Get out your favorite post-cleanse crackers because this pumpkin seed hummus is exactly what you’ve been craving.

Click here to make the recipe. 

Roasted Garlic White Bean Dip

Make this roasted garlic white bean dip with five simple ingredients in just five minutes of hands-on prep work. You’re going to love it!

Click here to make the recipe. 

Watermelon Mango Salsa

Refresh your palate and indulge in this sweet, zesty, and slightly spicy watermelon mango salsa that embodies the flavors of summer.

Click here to make the recipe.

Cowboy Caviar

Looking for the perfect dip or taco topper? This black bean corn salsa is filled with classic, bold flavors that delight the palate.

Click here to make the recipe.

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It’s chili time, folks! We hope you enjoy spoonful after spoonful of this chili, which is loaded with fragrant spices and a plant-based ingredients. The interplay of flavors and textures is something out of this world, and they come together quickly in the Instant Pot. It’s such a great kitchen tool!

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There is a lot of hype surrounding the Instant Pot. Some people view it as another kitchen appliance that will take up too much space in the kitchen. And for those who have slow cookers, they don’t see how the Instant Pot differs. The Instant Pot is not a slow cooker; rather, it is a magical cooking device that is the fusion of a rice cooker, slow cooker, yogurt maker, and an electric pressure cooker.

Whether you want to make black bean hummus, mashed potatoes, cakes, or chili, the Instant Pot is the tool for you. The beauty of this device is that it can do the work of a slow cooker in a fraction of the time. Since the Instant Pot uses pressure to cook food quickly and evenly, your food can retain up to 90% of its water-soluble vitamins. Boiling or slow cooking, on the other hand, completely depletes the nutritional value of your food.

Save Time When Cooking

Are you trying to cook some lentils? The Instant Pot will impart intense flavor and cook them completely in 15 minutes, and there’s no soaking required. The inner pot (the cooking chamber) is fully insulated, so the Instant Pot doesn’t need to use as much energy. Additionally, an electric pressure cooker doesn’t use as much liquid as regular cooking methods, so any soup or liquid will boil faster.

It’s Very Safe

Some people have a valid fear of pressure cookers. They envision the top exploding into their ceiling from all the built up pressure in the pot. This is not the case for the Instant Pot, which has numerous safety features that regulate internal pressure or whether the lid is locked or not. If the cover is not firmly clamped, it will not take on pressure. Plus, there are numerous settings on the device that cater to your cooking needs.

Enhances The Flavors Of Your Food

When you cook in a pan or open container, your food is exposed to heat and oxygen. This combination can actually diminish the flavors and colors of your food. When you cook the food in a pressurized chamber, you saturate it with steam, which allows the food to retain the inherently vibrant colors and nutrients. The pressure also helps to develop flavors in a shorter amount of time than if you were to cook the same meal in a stovetop setting.

4 Instant Pot Recipes

Cinnamon Maple Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Get a healthy dose of beta-carotene and complex carbohydrates when you indulge in this dish. The maple syrup enhances the sweetness of the sweet potatoes.

Click here to make the recipe.

3 Bean Vegan Chili

Get ready to dig your spoon into a hearty bowl of rich flavors and diverse textures. Just let the Instant Pot do the work for you!

Click here to make the recipe.

Beet Salad

Packed with zesty flavors and powerful nutrients, this beet salad works great as an appetizer or side salad. Instant Pots for the win!

Click here to make the recipe.

Lentil Soup With Sweet Potato And Kale

This budget-friendly lentil soup is a comforting meal that is perfect for cold weather. Satisfy your taste buds with this nutritious soup.

Click here to make the recipe.

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If you don’t immediately fall in love with these mashed sweet potatoes, then we may need to have a discussion. This comforting dish is the perfect side to an entree salad and it can even be consumed for breakfast. If you do end up eating it for breakfast, drizzle a little extra maple syrup on top with a dash of cinnamon and some raw pecans.

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Once you cook beets in an Instant Pot, you may never cook them any other way. This salad comes quickly and you only need a few ingredients for maximum flavor. You may need to change the cooking time, depending on the size of your beets. If you aim to buy medium-sized beets (about 2.5 inches in diameter) then the cooking time in the recipe will be accurate.

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The Instant Pot has made it so easy for people to whip up meals that have intense depth of flavor in a short amount of time. This makes the Instant Pot perfect for lentils, because they can take a long time to soak and cook properly. Dried lentils break down in about 5 minutes inside the Instant Pot, so you’ll have a flavorful dinner ready in no time.

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Coming in all shapes, colors, and sizes, the mighty sweet potato deserves to be celebrated every day. They deserve extra attention, however, on National Cook A Sweet Potato Day, which is annually celebrated on February 22^nd. Sweet potatoes are starchy root vegetables and even though they are simple spuds, their health benefits may surprise you.

Sweet Potato Fact: Research points to the fact that sweet potatoes originated in Central or South America. Central American domesticated sweet potatoes at least 5,000 years ago, but archaeologists found that remnants of sweet potatoes in Peru dating back to 8,000 BCE.

They Promote Gut Health

Sweet potatoes contain soluble and insoluble fiber, both of which pass undigested through the gastrointestinal tract. This helps to soften your stool to promote easier bowel movements. Certain strains of soluble and insoluble fibers in sweet potatoes slightly ferment in the colon, creating short-chain fatty acids that encourage healthy intestinal cell lining. While these fibers support a healthy gut, the antioxidants in sweet potatoes have been known to promote healthy gut bacteria in preliminary test tube studies. A higher percentage of healthy bacteria is associated with reduced risk of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), chronic inflammation, and infectious diarrhea.

They Support Healthy Vision

Yams may be some of the best sources of beta-carotene, an antioxidant that is both responsible for the bright orange color and necessary for healthy vision. One cup of cooked sweet potato actually provides the body with over seven times the recommended daily amount of beta-carotene. Once ingested, the beta-carotene is converted to vitamin A inside the body, and it is used to form light-detecting receptors in the eyes. Test tube studies have reported that the anthocyanins in sweet potatoes may help to prevent a type of blindness known as xerophthalmia.

They Support The Immune System

As we previously mentioned, sweet potatoes are one of the richest sources of beta-carotene. Since low blood levels of vitamin A have been linked to reduced immunity, it is wise to consume your fair share of sweet potatoes to support the immune system. Vitamin A also plays a role in the maintenance of healthy mucus membranes, especially in the digestive system, and keeping the gut healthy is one of the best ways to enhance immune function. Lastly, studies have found that people with low vitamin A levels have increased gut inflammation and impaired immune function.

It’s Time…For A Sweet Potato Joke

Two sweet potatoes are walking down the street.

One sweet potato looks at the other one and says, “Do you want to be my best spud?”

The other sweet potato replies, “I already yam, and we’re a perfect mash!”

On that lovely note, we are going to dive right on into this national day by providing you with some tasty cooked sweet potato recipes. There are five recipes for you to choose from, and they all differ drastically in flavor. Choose wisely, or make them all! Let us know how you like the recipes in the comments below.

Sweet And Spicy Thai Curry Sweet Potato Soup

Combining sweet potatoes to make a soup with classic Thai flavors may be the best flavor combination ever in soup history. Slurp and enjoy!

Click here to make the recipe.

Baked Sweet Potato Fries

Whether you are looking for a tasty appetizer or an irresistible side, these savory sweet potato fries are delicious and easy to prepare.

Click here to make the recipe.

Cinnamon Maple Instant Pot Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Get a healthy dose of beta-carotene and complex carbohydrates when you indulge in this dish. The maple syrup enhances the sweet potatoes.

Click here to make the recipe.

Crispy Sweet Potato Cakes

Whether you are looking to up your hashbrown game or trying to prepare a healthy appetizer/side, these sweet potato cakes are the answer.

Click here to make the recipe.

Instant Pot Lentil Soup With Sweet Potato & Kale

This budget-friendly lentil soup is a comforting meal that is perfect for cold weather. Satisfy your taste buds with this nutritious soup.

Click here to make the recipe.

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A bowl of warm soup, with steam rising off it and scenting the room with an enchanting aroma, during the winter is some kind of magical. You almost feel giddy as you grab the bowl, clamping your hands around it for warmth. For some strange reason, perhaps a childlike notion, you feel as though your mom made it for you…and that makes it taste even better.

Soups are often rich in nutrient-dense vegetables, and the slow cooking helps these ingredients retain their nutritional value. Not only is soup easy to digest, but it is commonly a low calorie meal that works to keep you satiated without consuming excess calories. Unless your soup is chock full of cream, butter, sodium, or other unhealthy ingredients, most soup recipes are beneficial for healthy digestion because of their high-fiber content.

Do not waste your time opening a can of soup and warming it up in the microwave or in a pot on the stove. February 4^th is National Homemade Soup Day, not I Opened A Can Of Soup And Ate It Day (not a real thing). There is an incredible amount of homemade soup recipes that contain different flavors from around the world. From chowders and bisques, to immune-boosting broths and creamy soups, there is no excuse for you not finding a recipe. We even provided recipes to inspire you to get your soup on today!

Anti-Inflammatory Broccoli Ginger Soup

Warm up the body on a cold winter day by slurping this super soup. It’s filled with anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting ingredients.

Click here to make the recipe.

Instant Pot Lentil Soup With Sweet Potato & Kale

This budget-friendly lentil soup is a comforting meal that is perfect for cold weather. Satisfy your taste buds with this nutritious soup.

Click here to make the recipe.

Fat Flush Soup

Need a meal to help you get rid of those excess pounds from an indulgent weekend? What a coincidence, because this recipe does exactly that! Oh, and it also tastes delicious and comforts the soul when it’s cold outside.

Click here to make the recipe.

Bonus Recipe: Homemade Chicken(less) Bouillon Powder

It’s crazy how comparable the flavor of this vegan bouillon is to chicken broth. Do away with the cholesterol by using this vegan option!

Click here to make the recipe.

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Winter has become synonymous with colds and flus, and viruses are passed around quicker than gossip at TMZ. While some people still revert to over-the-counter cold & flu medications to manage symptoms, others have realized the effectiveness of natural remedies, such as elderberry extracts or syrups.

There is obviously a time and place for conventional medicine, but regular medicine won’t do much for a mild cold or flu. Colds are miserable and all you want to do is fix them as soon as possible. This is why many people turn to elderberries, which have been known to boost immune function and fight upper respiratory infections. Of the many lozenges, gummies, pills, teas, and extracts that contain elderberry, which ones have excess sugar or added chemicals? It can be hard to determine this, which is why we encourage you to make your own.

Studies On Elderberry

• One randomized study with 60 adults, who had flu-like symptoms, gave half of the patients placebo syrup and the other half 15 ml of elderberry syrup four times a day. The group that took elderberry syrup found that symptoms cleared up four days earlier than the people who took the placebo syrup.
• A 2010 study looked at the effects of elderberry extract on immunoresponse in genes. The findings indicated that elderberry extract has antiviral properties that activate the immune system by increasing cytokine production. This means that elderberry extract may be beneficial for activating inflammatory responses in people with various illnesses.
• Madeleine Mumcuoglu of Hadassah-Hebrew University in Israel found that elderberry works to neutralize viruses that penetrate healthy cells in the nose and throat. Sometimes, the virus infects the body before prevention. In this case, elderberry extract helps prevent the virus from spreading throughout the respiratory system.

Benefits of Elderberry

Rich in vitamins A, B, and C, elderberries have the natural ability to boost immune function. The complex sugars in elderberries work to fight colds and flus by supporting the immune system. While the elderberries help to support immune function, you can support their efforts to accelerate recovery by eating foods that are rich in vitamins C, B6, and E. Try and eat plant-based foods as much as possible to absorb the most nutrients.

DIY Elderberry Syrup

Ingredients:

• 4 slices ginger root
• ½ lemon
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 6 cloves
• 1 cup dried elderberries
• 4 cups filtered water
• 1 cup organic raw honey

Instructions:

• Add all of the ingredients to the Instant Pot, place the lid on, and set the vent to the “Sealing” position.
• Cook on “Manual” for 10 minutes and then do a quick pressure release. Remove the lid and set your Instant Pot to “Saute” in order to boil the syrup.
• Boil the syrup for 10 minutes until half reduces the liquid. Turn off the Instant Pot and pour the syrup through a mesh strainer into a bowl, mashing the berries to release all the liquid.
• Through the berries away after you mash them because they are not safe to eat. Store in a dropper bottle and take a dropper full when you are under the weather.

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Juneteenth is one of the oldest celebrations commemorating the end of slavery in the United States. On June 19^th, 1865, Major General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas to deliver the news that slaves were now free, despite the fact that President Lincoln’s Emancipation Proclamation became official two and a half years prior on January 1^st, 1863. The delivery of the new Executive Order was slow to reach Texas, due to the minimal amount of Union troops to enforce the new law.

There are several theories that attempt to explain the two and a half year delay of the important news. The first theory is attributed to the death of a messenger, who was sent to deliver the news of freedom, on his way to Texas. Another was that the news was delivered, but enslavers withheld this information from the slaves to maintain labor forces on plantations. A similar explanation states that federal troops waited for slave owners to reap the benefits of one last cotton harvest before heading to Texas to enforce the Emancipation Proclamation.

In The Early Years Of Juneteenth

African American communities held celebrations, but there was resistance toward these events by barring them from using public property for festivities. As a result, many festivities ended up taking place in rural areas near creeks or rivers. Activities included horseback riding, dancing, fishing, and the inevitable act of barbecuing. The annual Juneteenth celebrations began to flourish as the years passed, but declined during the Great Depression. It was only during the Civil Rights movement of the 50s and 60s that Juneteenth celebrations regained popularity.

Juneteenth celebrations encourage the continuous self-development of African Americans and respect for all cultures. At current Juneteenth events, it is common to see red velvet cake, red soda, red punch, barbecue, and lots of other red foods. The red theme may be attributed to the remembrance of slavery, but the act of eating these red foods may date back to the enslaved Yoruba and Kongo that were brought to Texas in the 19^th century from present day Ghana, Nigeria, Benin, Togo, and the Democratic National Republic of Congo. Some culinary historians have connected the red colored foods to the Asante and Yoruba’s ceremonial occasions, in which they offered the blood of animals to the gods and ancestors. The color red also symbolizes strength, life, death, and spirituality.

Historians have had an easier time concluding why people consume red drinks on Juneteenth. West African traditional plants, the kola nut and hibiscus flower, were commonly brewed into teas or mixed into the water. The kola nut was commonly used to purify water, turning it slightly red in the process. It was also used as a natural energy drink because of the kola nut’s natural energizing properties. When hibiscus flowers are steeped the water turns reddish purple, and this tea, known as bissap, was commonly served to guests. To help you celebrate Juneteenth, here are some of our favorite red recipes.

Healthy Red Soda

Don’t bother with the artificial flavors, colors, and added sweeteners. Use this combination of fruits, herbs, and sparkling water for red soda.

Click here to make the recipe.

Simple And Spicy Raw Tomato Soup

Crank up the spice and get ready for maximum flavor. This raw tomato soup is the smoky, spicy, herbaceous, and extremely delicious.

Click here to make the recipe.

Instant Pot Beet Salad

Packed with zesty flavors and powerful nutrients, this beet salad works great as an appetizer or side salad. Instant Pots for the win!

Click here to make the recipe.

Cherry Banana Ice Cream

Raw desserts are not difficult to make. Simple ingredients can turn into a scrumptious dessert like this refreshing cherry banana ice cream. Indulge your sweet tooth without feeling guilty.

Click here to make the recipe.

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