Here is a colorful kickoff for the holidays—easy-to-make cheese dip for everyone in your family.

 

What you’ll need:

 

Gouda cheese, 300 grams (or any soft cheese like “quesong puti” or mozzarella cheese, or a mix of both)

 

1 or 2 ripe tomatoes, coarsely chopped

 

3 leaves of basil, torn or chopped

 

Extra leaves for garnish

 

Procedure:

 

Put all the ingredients in a microwave oven safe dish.

 

Turn on the microwave for 5 to 10 minutes or until cheese is completely melted.

 

If using an oven, preheat to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

 

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 15 minutes or till cheese melts.

 

Mix lightly to get tomatoes evenly distributed.

 

Serve hot with Melba toast or warm pieces of bread like pita.

 

Tip: Remember to use a pretty baking dish because this is an oven-to-table dish.