Vegetable Dip

I can remember growing up and my mom always had veggies in the fridge after school and usually had some of this dip, it was good then, but I appreciate it much more now.  It's a thick and hearty dip that is easy to mix up in the blender.  It keeps in the fridge for quite awhile and would be fabulous for a party of any kind.  

1 pint mayonnaise
1 C. buttermilk (or 1 cup milk with 1 Tbs vinegar)
8 oz. cream cheese
1 tsp. garlic salt
1 tsp onion salt
1 tsp accent
1 tsp. pepper
1 tsp. dill

Blend together in a blender.  Store in the fridge in an air tight container.   Makes 1 quart.

Cheese Ball

My mom is not a dairy lover. Cheese is low on her list and cheese balls with lots of different cheese in them are not her style. This recipe is simple but packed full with delicious flavors. We enjoy both of the cheese balls posted on Christmas Eve. You can use thinly sliced ham instead of budding chipped beef and it tastes just as good.

Ingredients:

8 oz cream cheese-softened
1/4 c. mayo
1/4 tsp season salt
1 Tbsp. Worcester
1-2 drops Tabasco
1/4-1/2 tsp liquid smoke
3 green onions- minced
1 package chipped beef

Blend all ingredients together. Shape into a ball and refrigerate until serving.

Delicious Guacamole

Ummm, umm, um!
That says it all.

6 ripe avocados, diced
4 green onions, finely chopped
3 roma tomatoes, diced
1 lime, juice only
1/4 bunch cilantro, finely chopped
2 packets McCormick Guacamole Seasoning

Mix all ingredients together and serve with tortilla chips.

Pumpkin Pie Dip

When I saw this on Taste of Home I knew I would be a fan, simply because it's a recipe I could use my leftover pumpkin on, you know when you make something and have some left over in the can, and don't quite know what to do, cause it isn't enough for another dessert. We'll this recipe is perfect for that. It's got a wonderfully subtle pumpkin flavor, but is sweet and creamy, and absolutely delicious!

• 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups confectioners' sugar
• 1 cup canned pumpkin
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• Gingersnap cookies

Directions:

In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and confectioners' sugar until smooth. Beat in the pumpkin, sour cream, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice and ginger until blended. Serve with gingersnaps. Refrigerate leftovers. This is also great on Zucchini bread, pumpkin bread, served with apples or any other favorite treat.

Toffee Carmel Dip

This one goes right along with the apple dip I posted yesterday, it also comes from Taste of Home, it's super yummy and a great way to get the kids to eat their fruit and enjoy it.

• 2 tablespoons butter, cubed
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/3 cup sweetened condensed milk
• 1/4 cup light corn syrup
• 1-1/2 teaspoons water
• 2 tablespoons English toffee bits or almond brickle chips
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Sliced apples

Directions:

In a small saucepan, combine the butter, brown sugar, milk, corn syrup and water. Cook and stir over medium heat until smooth. Remove from the heat. Stir in toffee bits and vanilla. Serve with apples. Yield: 1 cup.

Carmel Peanut Butter Dip

This is great when the apples come in season, it's yummy warm with fresh crisp apples. I love to do this dip as well as the carmel apple dip for a party or get together, they are delicious, and the kids love them. They would make an great after school snack. This one comes from Taste of Home, from an issue that had lot's of healthy snacks.

• 30 caramels
• 1 to 2 tablespoons water
• 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter
• 1/4 cup finely crushed peanuts, optional
• Sliced apples

Directions:

In a microwave-safe bowl, microwave the caramels and water on high for 1 minute; stir. Microwave 1 minute more or until smooth. Add peanut butter and mix well; microwave for 30 seconds or until smooth. Stir peanuts if desired. Serve warm with apples. Yield: 1 cup.

Very Cheesy Bean Dip

2 cans refried beans
1 can black beans
1 lb hamburger
1 small can green chilies
1 8 oz pkg. cream cheese, room temperature
1 small bottle cheese whiz

Brown hamburger. Mix all ingredients in large pot and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. I usually cook mine in my crock pot on low for about an hour or 2. Serve with tortilla chips.