Keep your hunger at bay with these make-ahead dips and spreads.

Creamy Mushroom Spread
This spread is delicious either warm or cold.

Black Bean Spread with Lime and Cilantro
Fresh lime juice and cilantro dress up canned black beans for a simple, delicious appetizer.

Smoked Trout Spread
Thanks to the rich flavor of the smoked trout, there's no need to season this spread with extra salt or pepper. Look for smoked trout in the same section of the grocery store that has the fresh fish. Bagel chips or Melba toasts provide crunchy contrast to the creamy dip, but toasted baguette slices are good, too.

Cumin Curried Hummus
The flavor of the hummus is similar to that of Indian lentil dal but is much easier to prepare. Serve with warm pita wedges.

Spinach-Parmesan Dip
Serve this creamy dip with crudités or hearty wheat crackers.

Red Pepper-Walnut Dip
The walnuts and raisins give this dip its unique flavor. Serve with toasted pita wedges or sourdough baguette slices.

Tapenade
Serve this thick olive paste from Provence with toasted baguette slices. It's also great stirred into pasta, used as a sandwich spread, or as a pizza topping.

Cool and Crunchy Crab Dip
While fresh crabmeat makes this dip extra special, canned lump crabmeat makes a great substitute and can be kept in the pantry to use at a moment's notice. Serve with your favorite crackers and crisp raw vegetables.

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