1 Stick (1/2 cup) butter or

-margarine, softened 1 c Cottage cheese

With carrots, celery, green pepper strips, cucumber slices, cherry tomatoes, cauliflower pieces or crackers, try any of the following: CHEESE SPREAD garlic powder Blend shortening with cottage cheese. A blender or baby food grinder will give you a smoother consistency than whipping with a fork. Add garlic powder to taste. Refrigerate in a covered container. DIP IT AGAIN 1 (8 oz) container of plain yogurt 1 cup sour cream 1 pkg onion soup mix

Combine and chill before serving. BETTER-WITH-BUTTERMILK DIP 1 cup buttermilk 2 cups mayonnaise 1 cup sour cream or yogurt 1 envelope

Ranch style dressing mix Stir together and chill. For use as salad dressing, substitute a second cup of buttermilk for the sour cream or yogurt. Hint: Use cucumber "coins" instead of crackers. OTHER QUICK DIPPIES that make up in small quantities: * Blend 1/3 to 1/2 of a mashed banana with 2 or 3 tsps of mayonnaise. * Whipe together 1 tsp of smooth peanut butter with 1 tsp of mayonnaise. If still too thick, add a few drops of milk. * Mix 1/2 tsp of lemon juice and 1/2 tsp of honey or sugar to 1 or 2 tsp of mayonnaise. CUTTING UP WITH KIDS Have your children help you cut up green onions, parsley, lettuce, cheese slices, fruit, etc., using a scissors instead of a knife. Using a scissors helps coordination (YES!) and keeps them busy for a _long_ time! CHERRY BALLS Stuff whole (or half) cherry tomatoes with cream cheese, a cheese spread, egg salad or tuna salad. Actually thinking of snacks as hors d'oeuvres - rather than desserts - will open up a whole new way of looking at this category.