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    10 Unexpected Veggies that Make Great Crudités

    By | Shine Food – Mon, Jun 11, 2012 10:58 AM EDT

    Veggies.Mix up your baby carrot and dip routine this summer with these 10 fun, fresh vegetables that are perfect for a crudité platter.

    1. Fennel: The crisp anise flavor of fennel is perfect with creamy dips. Fennel also pairs exceptionally well with any type of roasted red pepper dip or tapenade.

    2. Jicama: Crunchy jicama is a sweeter alternative to celery. Peel, cut into strips, and serve straight-up, or top with a squeeze of lemon.

    3. Endive: Bitter endive leaves are perfect for scooping up hummus, dip, and even salsa. And they go especially well with anything blue cheese.
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    4. Kohlrabi: Young kohlrabi can be eaten raw and tastes like crunchy broccoli stems. Peel off the outer skin and then cut into sticks for your vegetable platter.

    5. Tiny purple carrots: Purple carrots will add color and a wow factor to your crudités platter. Quickly blanch, then chill until ready to serve. Try the red and yellow varieties for extra color.
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    6. Asparagus: Lightly grill asparagus, then serve with lemony or creamy dips. Or give it a fast blanch if you don't want to fire up the grill.

    7. Fingerling potatoes: Look for long, skinny potatoes, and cook in boiling water until insides are tender. Chill, then serve. They go well with any type of cheesy dip.

    8. Green beans: Blanched green beans are easy to dip into hummus, sour cream spreads, and more.
    More: Bob Harper's signature no-oil hummus >>

    9. Sugar snap peas: These edible pods are perfect for bite-size dipping and eating; just serve them raw and straight-up.

    10. Radishes: Slice peppery radishes, and they become a delicious (and colorful!) counterpoint to dips and salsas.

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