Dip Baby Dip!

So I guess I have been on a dip kick lately, because I just had to try this dip yesterday. I saw Rachel Ray making it on Oprah, and I knew if Oprah could do it, I could do it better! It was definitely not the mega hit as last week's dip, but it was delicious in it's own right. I think it actually tasted better the longer it sat out. It was very easy to make, but I do admit that spreading the cold cheese was a bit of a pain, but fingers work well in a pinch! Hope you enjoy!

http://www.oprah.com/article/food/recipesappetizers/20090408-tows-rachael-ray-dip

Take note of the football printed Ritz crackers! I swear it makes them taste better, even though most guests preferred the cucumbers!

The new "IT" dip!

I saw this recipe last month in a Kraft publication of all places! It struck my fancy, so I did what I always do....rip it out and put it in my recipe binder. Then comes Labor Day and I was in charge of chips and dip for the party I was attending. I pulled out my binder and found this little gem in there....a dip to be cooked on the grill? Perfect! I took it to the party and it was beyond a hit! Everyone loved it! I was lucky to even get a bit myself! I made it the next two weekends and it got RAVE reviews from everyone on both occasions. Well, it's settled folks, this one is a keeper! I happen to think what makes it so good is the pesto from my homegrown basil, so I included that for recipe for you too....enjoy!

http://www.kraftfoods.com/kf/recipes/warm-italiano-spread-113699.aspx

suggestion: try the new Fire Roasted Triscuits with this instead, it works very well together!

Pesto:

2 cups fresh basil

2 cloves garlic

1/2 cup Parmesan cheese

1/3 cup pine nuts

1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil

salt & pepper

Blend all ingredients in food processor until smooth.