The Dip

And here is the recipe for "the dip" as it is known in my family and circle of friends. It's a little change to regular ol' ranch dip for veggies/chips. And my mom uses it as salad dressing too. I'm sure there are a hundred different uses for it (and if you figure out something particularly tasty let me know) - but either way, it's pretty well loved. And I hope this turns out because I'm not a "measure everything out" kind of cook.

The Dip

2 packages of cream cheese - softened (can be reduced fat if you want)
1 lime
1/4 cup of minced cilantro (I go with a small handful)
1 & 1/2 teaspoons of ranch dip mix (I think it's the hidden valley dip)
2 - 3 chopped jalapenos (depending on how spicy you like it)
1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder
Veggies/crackers/chips for dipping (carrots, broccoli, bell peppers, celery, etc.)

Cut the jalapenos into thirds and mince them in a food processor. Leave them a little big because next you're going to add the cilantro and mince it some more. Then cut the cream cheese into thirds and add it into the food processor and mix well. Once it's mixed, add the ranch dip, garlic powder and juice from one lime - mix well. Taste it - if it's really thick and you can hardly taste the lime you might want to add in some more lime juice. It should have just a hint of spice and a ranch/cilantro/lime flavor. Slice your veggies for dipping and you're done.