How to Make Creamy Garlic and Herb Dip

Looking for an easy dish to take to that next summer barbecue or get-together. My creamy garlic and herb dip takes a minimum of effort. Take it to your next gathering with a variety of fresh vegetables, breads, chips, or crackers, and it's sure to be a big hit with all those garlic lovers out there. Just be sure to take some chewing gum for afterwards, so as not to bowl anyone over with your dragon breath.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• garlic powder
• italian spice
• cream cheese
• sour cream

1. Wash your hands and prepare your work area. Set out all your ingredients, and a whisk and a mixing bowl.

2. Zap your cream cheese in the microwave (in a microwave safe container, i.e., not thin plastic, or metal) until it softens a little.

3. Whisk one part cream cheese to two parts sour cream.

4. Whisk in garlic powder, italian spice, and salt to taste. I like mine really garlicky, but many people prefer a more subtle garlic taste.

5. Cover your dip and refrigerate it until you need it for your special occasion. It should keep one to two weeks in the fridge and should not be frozen or heated up.

Tips & Warnings

• If you can't be bothered to whisk your arm off or zap your cream cheese, a food processor will do the mixing for you without you having to melt the cream cheese. I prefer to burn calories while I cook, so I do most things manually, but a food processor is great because it provides a really nice consistent texture to sauces.
• To cut calories on this dip, use reduced fat cream cheese and reduced fat or fat free sour cream. You can also substitute plain yogurt for the sour cream.
• If you aren't a big garlic fan, substitute parmesan for the garlic and you have my creamy italian dip.
• This dip is great with toasted bread, chips or crackers.
• A great healthy way to eat this dip is with fresh veggies, whole grain bread, or crackers.
• You can make this rich dip into a dressing by adding a little water, olive oil, and vinegar and giving it a good shake.
• Garlic dip will produce garlic breath. Be forewarned. A good option is to convince those around you to eat it to, then everyone is so busy smelling their own garlic breath that they can't smell yours.