Cheesy Spinach Artichoke Dip

My neighbor Tami, who's always cooking up something delightful, brought this delicious dip to a neighborhood BBQ.  I wanted to eat the whole thing--it was so yummy!  She made some fabulous bread to go along with it, but says it's great on crackers as well.  I ate it with some tortilla chips someone brought and it was super good that way!  I'm gonna be making some of this soon! 

1 can (14 oz.) artichoke hearts, drained and finely chopped
1 pkg. (10 oz.) frozen spinach, thawed, drained

3/4 cup KRAFT Grated Parmesan Cheese

3/4 cup KRAFT Light Mayo Reduced Fat Mayonnaise

1/2 cup KRAFT 2% Milk Shredded Mozzarella Cheese

1/2 tsp. garlic powder

HEAT oven to 350°F. Mix all ingredients; spoon into 9-inch quiche dish or pie plate.
BAKE 20 min. or until heated through. Serve with Triscuit Reduced Fat Crackers and assorted cut-up fresh vegetables. Can also serve with baguettes, focaccia bread, or tortilla chips.

Mexican Bean Dip

This is for you Emily!

1 can of refried beans
1-2 ripe avocados, remove seed and skin and completely smash the fruit, add a little lime juice (lemon works too)
1/2-2/3 cup sour cream mixed with a tbsp. or so of taco seasoning (start slow, taste it, you can always add more)
1-2 cups shredded cheese
2 finely diced tomatoes
sliced olives
finely sliced green onions or chives (I prefer chives, less of an aftertaste)

Spread in order listed above on a dinner sized plate or small platter.  Serve with your favorite tortilla chips and enjoy!

Fresh Tomato Salsa

Thanks to my Aunt Deanne for this delicious salsa recipe!

Makes about 1 quart

3 large tomatoes, peeled and chopped (approx. 3 cups) or 1 15 oz. can of diced tomatoes
1/4 red onion
1 large green pepper
1 Jalapeno pepper, seeded
1 tbsp. sugar
1 tsp. salt
3-4 tsp. fresh cilantro
2 tbsp. fresh lime juice
1 tbsp. red wine vinegar
1/2 tsp. cumin
3/4 tsp. chili powder
1 8 oz. can of tomato sauce (optional- if using canned tomatoes)

Chop or blend all ingredients in the blender. Serve with your favorite tortilla chips and enjoy!

The Very Best Cheeseball

This is seriously the very best cheeseball I've ever had. I just love it and it's always a hit when I take it somewhere with me! I got this delicious recipe from my mother-in-law Derra Ball.

2 8 oz. Packages cream cheese
1/4 tsp. bon appetit
1/4 tsp. garlic salt
1/4 tsp. celery salt
1/4 tsp. dry mustard
1/2 bunch finely chopped green onions

Mix ingredients together in mixer. Roll cheeseball in crushed pecans or grated cheese. Refrigerate.

Makes one large cheeseball or two small cheeseballs.

Vegetable Dilly Dip

This is a fantastic vegetable dip. It makes those boring carrots and broccoli taste oh so much better!

1 cup sour cream
1 cup mayo (I don't often have mayo on hand, so I usually just use 16 oz. of sour cream and no mayo--still tastes great)
2 tsp. dry dill
2 tsp dry minced onion (I've used 1 tsp. onion powder as well)
2 tsp. Bon Appetite

Mix together well and serve well chilled.