Cheddar Beer Dip

If you don't like cheese and beer, this dip is not for you. And if you don't like cheese and beer, what in the world is wrong with you!? For some reason cheddar cheese and beer just mesh so well together. Cheddar-Beer Fondue for example, which I could probably just eat with a spoon if no one was looking. That goes for this dip as well (and while no one was looking, I did eat a spoonful of it...yes, I just admitted that).

I opted to use some soft pretzel sticks and hard pretzels as dippers for this snack. Both were great, but I think the hard pretzels worked a little better since this is such a thick dip. A word of warning though, its super addictive! Make sure you bring it to a potluck or serve it at a party so you won't be tempted to eat it all yourself!

Cheddar Beer Dip
Source: http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Beer-Dip

• 2 packages (8 ounces each) cream cheese, softened
• 1/3 cup beer or nonalcoholic beer
• 1 envelope ranch salad dressing mix
• 2 cups (8 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese
• Pretzels

Directions:

In a large bowl, beat the cream cheese, beer and dressing until smooth. Stir in cheddar cheese. Serve with pretzels. Refrigerate leftovers. Yield: 3-1/2 cups.

The Perfect Ranch Dressing

One might say I'm a ranch dressing connoisseur. I have lists (in my head only, not on actual paper, I'm not a crazy person) of restaurants with good ranch dressing and bad ranch dressing. I've tried nearly every brand in the grocery store, and I've made various recipes at home as well. There isn't much that I won't dip in ranch dressing, and when I'm feeling crazy sometimes I'll even throw it on a salad once in a while!

This recipe is versatile in that you can use it as a dip or add some buttermilk to it and thin it out to make the perfect dressing. The secret ingredient is fresh, chopped dill. I know that sounds like a pain in the butt, but its just a little chopping! I normally don't use fresh herbs because I'm lazy when it comes to cooking and with five people in my house, I like things easy. You can substitute dried dill weed in this recipe, but I'm telling you, the fresh dill makes all the difference. I didn't even think I liked dill until I tried it in this dip!

Sorry I couldn't get a better picture for you guys! Its ranch dressing, you know what it looks like, right?


Perfect Ranch Dip/Dressing

• 1 cup light mayo
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1T-2T fresh, chopped dill (Start with 1T and add more to your taste.)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• salt and pepper to taste
• buttermilk (If you are making dressing, whisk in buttermilk until you reach the desired consistency.)

Directions:

Mix ingredients and chill!