Beer dip

I have made this dip before and I am not sure what recipe I followed.  For this recipe I went to Amy Hanten's The Cooking Mom, did I mention I have an autographed copy?  This was my gift from my big sister, my name is spelled wrong but it's the thought that counts.  I must admit I did drink half a bottle of beer...I put it in a frosty mug and enjoyed it while outside before the fireworks.  Since I am used to be a beer girl in my olden days, it was nice a nice treat.  For many different reasons, I am not a big drinker...just a choice I've made, however, someone made a good point, if I was a big drinker I would just have to deal with my kids with a hangover.  That my friends is not my idea of a good time.  Drink I mean, eat this dip responsibly.  Don't drink eat and drive.  You do not need to be 21 to consume this dip.

2 packages cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup beer (somebody gets to drink the rest!-she said it not me)-I used more like 1/2 cup
1 packet (1 ounce) dry ranch dip mix
1 1/2 cups finely shredded cheddar cheese

With a mixer beat together cream cheese, dip mix, and beer until smooth.  Stir in cheese and chill for at least 2 hours.  Serve with seasoned pretzels or beer bread. This can be served as a snack for your family or brought up to the North woods in a cooler. 

fruit dip

This dip is soooo simple. Anyone can make it...hence why I actually had my students at school make this for a retirement party I was planning on attending during the last week of school.  What child labor laws?  I know...I know but hear me out.  I work at a high school with students who are in a "functional community based program".  This program is for students who have a lower functioning learning disabilities (LD), cognitive disabilities (CD), or an other health impairment (OHI) who need a life skills based program.  Although we do have academic components, we focus on real life things that students will need for survival.  I don't typically have my students make my meals or do personal things for me, however, there is a time and a place for such things when there is a real life opportunity for learning or a hands on experience.  So since this dip was being made for my co-workers who are heading into retirement (some of their former teachers), I felt it would be an appropriate experience for them to prepare the dip and fruit tray.  I don't even feel bad that they had to make it.  You know what it's like working with your little one in the kitchen?  Well imagine this intensified, except instead of the little one being a mini-me in the kitchen, you actually are the mini-me since many students are taller than me!  So without further ado, here is the simple fruit dip...so simple even a teenager could make it.

1 package softened cream cheese
1 jar Marshmallow fluff
Assorted array of fruit

Yep...that's it.  Wash, slice (if necessary), on a side note if you're working with students make sure they don't stab each other, although it sounds silly I am sure it's happened.  Not on my watch but somewhere and someplace I am sure it could happen.  So once the knives are secured (or taken for evidence), arrange fruit on a tray.  If you decide to use apples you can use the technique I talked about in my post about snacks for traveling.  We did not use apples for this particular tray.  Now place cream cheese and fluff in a mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, mix the dip.  Once items are combined, place in a pretty bowl or a Tupperware container to serve with the fresh fruit.  Enjoy.  I just hope that the child labor law people don't show up at my door step.

Dill Dip

I got this recipe from my mom.  I'm pretty sure my mom is not reading my blog...she's not on facebook and if she would be I would think it was kind of weird.  I love my mom to death but if she was following my blog I could just imagine her calling me and questioning me to no end.  So "Hi mom! I hope you're not following my blog"   If you are, "Hi mom!  Thanks for following my blog!"  Honestly, it's easier to make this dip than to walk into a store go to the dairy section, pick up a remade one and buy it.  By the time you'd reach the dairy section this would be all put together..I know, it's that fast.  This is great for any kind of veggie and definitely yummy enough for guests or a party. 

2/3 cup mayonnaise
1 cup sour cream
1 Tablespoon dill
1 Tablespoon parsley
1 Tablespoon minced onion flakes
1 teaspoon Lawry's season salt

Mix it together.  It suggests making this the night before but I have made it and served immediately you.  It's your choice.  Serve with a variety of veggies or just carrots.