Spinach Dip

This site would not be as special as it is without recipes from my sister-in-law, Linda Fleming, who’s holiday dinners are only surpassed by the dessert that follows.

SPINACH DIP

1 pkg spinach
1 pkg cream cheese, softened
1 cup sour cream
2 tbsp finely chopped onion
½ cup milk
½ tsp Worcestershire sauce
2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
¼ tsp garlic powder
1 pkg dry vegetable soup mix
¼ tsp pepper
Few drops hot pepper sauce

Cook spinach; chop and drain well. In medium bowl, combine cream cheese and sour cream until smooth. Add remaining ingredients. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Serve in a bread bowl or a fancy dish with crackers, bread sticks or vegetables fresh from your garden.

Herb Butter and Herb Cheese

Using soft butter, margarine or cream cheese add finely minced garlic chives or any herb you prefer, mix thoroughly and refrigerate. Overnight is best to blend flavours.

Mix butter, minced garlic chives, grated chedder cheese and a strip or two of cooked and crumbled bacon for a great baked potato topper.

Mix, cream cheese, minced garlic chives, minced basil and a strip or two of cooked and crumbled bacon with hot pasta for a quick meal.

Any blend of butter or cream cheese with herbs, bacon, grated cheese.. can be made a day or two ahead for a fast work night meal.

HERBED CREAM CHEESE AND BUTTERS

Substitute butter in herbed cheese recipes and creamed cheese in herbed butter recipes for variety.
Any butter or herbed cheese recipe can be pressed into little molds for single servings or one larger mold. Ice cube trays are handy for individual portions. Pasta tossed with a herb butter or cheese mixture is a wonderful side dish, I find the ice cube portions perfect, and very handy, for these recipes especially when it is a last minute addition.
These blends are delicious on sandwiches, crackers, grilled meats and fish. Using your own fresh herbs is a great way to enjoy the full flavour from your own backyard.
Any herb suggested in a recipe can be substituted with your favourite flavour and aroma to be coordinated with your dinner for tonight.

FRESH HERB SAUCE

1 cup plain yogurt
½ cup fresh herbs, try basil (lemon or lime), tarragon, thyme
¼ cup chopped shallots
1 small clove crushed garlic or ⅛ cup fresh minced garlic chives
½ tsp pepper

Blend all together in a small bowl and chill.
Great with chicken or as a vegetable dip.