i love ranch dressing.  i don’t love the calories, but i think that this may have an edge on store-bought varieties because it lacks preservatives.  it’s also delicious.  i think i might try using fresh chives next time and also mincing up green onion to use in addition to onion powder.  and maybe doubling the garlic powder.  it’s a work in progress.  :)

• 1/2 c light mayo
• 1/4 or 1/2 c light sour cream (1/4 c for salads, 1/2 c for dip)
• 3/4 or 1/4 c buttermilk (3/4 c for salads, 1/2 c for dip)
• 1/2 tsp dried chives
• 1/2 tsp dried parsley
• 1/4 tsp dried dill weed
• 1/4 tsp garlic powder
• 1/4 tsp onion powder
• 1/8 tsp salt
• 1/8 tsp ground black pepper

1. in a large bowl, whisk together all of the ingredients.
2. cover and refrigerate for 30 min. before serving.

enjoy!

i’m all for food that is cheesy and delicious.  this definitely fits in that category.  when we go to applebee’s, tom normally orders the appetizer sampler platter and shares his spinach artichoke dip with me, so i can pick out the artichokes for him.   it’s a win-win situation.  you can easily add artichokes to this recipe, just drain a can of them and chop them up into bite sized pieces.  we keep things artichoke free around here, though.

you could use the base and make a seafood dip substituting the spinach for crab meat, lobster pieces and shrimp.   i’ll have to try that next!

• 1/2 jar of roasted garlic alfredo sauce
• 1/3 c grated parmeggiano reggiano cheese
• 1 1/2 c grated mozzarella cheese
• 1 10 oz. package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
• 4 oz. cream cheese

1. preheat oven to 350°.
2. in a medium bowl, mix together all ingredients together well, reserving 1/2 c grated mozzarella cheese for the top.
3. spread in a 8″ pie dish, top with remaining mozzarella.
4. bake for 30 min. or until brown and bubbly.

enjoy!

this is a very delicious recipe from my aunt debbie.  i’m sorry for the quality of this iPhone photo*, it just doesn’t do this dip justice.  you’ll have to try it for yourself!

*edited on 1/1/2012 – updated and added pics!

• 8 oz. cream cheese
• 1/3 c sour cream
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1/8 tsp garlic powder
• 1/8 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1/2 c pizza sauce
• 1/2 c pepperoni*
• 1/4 c green onion*
• 1/4 c green pepper*
• 1/2 c mozzarella cheese

*other toppings of your choice may be substituted.

1. preheat oven to 350°.
2. beat first five ingredients in a small bowl using mixer.  spread in a pie dish.
3. spread pizza sauce over top.
   
   
4. chop pepperoni, green onion and green pepper.  sprinkle on top.
   
   
5. bake for 10 min.
6. shred cheese and put on top.
   
   
7. bake for 10 more min.
   
   
8. serve with breadsticks or crackers.

enjoy!