Ranch Dip Mix

Last night I had a group of friends at my house.  Someone else brought the treats.  I cleaned the bathroom.  Nice distribution of power.

The friend who brought treats is known for her hospitality and her tasty morsels.  She loves to give teas and parties and has a zillion kids and grandkids who are always in her house, eating her food.  Her house is the one to visit early on Halloween - two BIG bowls of a variety of candy and a welcoming smile from "Grandma Sue" with an invitation to "dig in kids, take as much as you like!"

That's the kind of person I want to be.  One with a stocked pantry, fridge and freezer, a moderately clean house, and an attitude of "c'mon over and eat what I'm serving."  To really love food and people are among the great essences of life.

What that all has to do with Ranch Dip Mix is this:  The mix is perfect to have around to whip up a quick batch of veggie or chip dip, or to thin out with buttermilk for dressing, or to sprinkle on breadsticks, or finish off the top of the cheese on pizza, or or or or.

And best of all, it doesn't come in a packet of Hidden-MSG.

The second thing is that I gave a jar of this to Sue last Christmas as a hostess gift for a lovely tea she gave for our Bible study group.  She told me last night that every time she makes a batch of dip for a gathering, people rave and ooo and ahhh.  We like that.

I recommend doubling or tripling the following recipe.  It keeps well in a jar in the pantry, and a single tablespoon makes a nice amount of dip.  Put some in half-pint jars with cute labels and give it as a gift.  Then you'll have a Sue thanking you :)

Ranch Dip Mix

2 teaspoons salt (use the good stuff)
2 teaspoons garlic powder
3 tablespoons onion powder
2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
2 teaspoons sugar
2 1/2 teaspoons paprika
2 1/2 teaspoons dried parsley

Mix all dry ingredients in a jar.

Ranch Dip

1 cup mayonnaise
1 cup sour cream (or plain yogurt)
1 heaping tablespoon Ranch Dip Mix