Peggys Holiday Cheese Dip Food

PEGGY'S HOLIDAY CHEESE DIP

Steps:

• 1. Empty the 4 jars of pimento cheese spread into a medium-sized mixing bowl. Best to use a slim spatula or spreading knife to get it all from the sides and bottom.
• 2. Add the deviled ham and turn loosely with a fork to get the ham blended evenly with the cheese.
• 3. Add the mayonnaise. You may want to experiment with the amount. Less mayo makes the dip sharper with a stiffer consistency; more will make it creamier with a looser consistency. I've had my best results with 2 heaping tablespoons as I like it a bit sharper in flavor.
• 4. Add the Worcestershire. There's no precise measurement here, 3 or 4 shakes of a Lea & Perrins bottle probably yields about a teaspoon or so.
• 5. We always like to add just a dash of Tabasco, although this step is entirely optional. To be honest, I saw mom add the Tabasco one day when I was about 15, to which I protested and asked her just to make it "the usual way". She confessed she had always added it, even when I was a child; she just never let me see her do it. So, you don't need much. A little goes a long way, just enough to add a little kick is nice.
• 6. Blend well. You can use a fork, but I like to use a hand-mixer. The deviled ham is a bit hard to blend in without it. Mix for 2 or 3 minutes.
• 7. Also optional: I always chill in the fridge for an hour or so. Serve and enjoy!

EASY CHEESY DIP

Steps:

• Mix all ingredients in 1-quart microwavable bowl until well blended.
• Microwave on HIGH 3 to 4 minutes or until heated through, stirring every minute.
• Serve warm with tortilla chips, crackers or assorted vegetable dippers.

SMOKY CREAM CHEESE (AS A DIP OR FOR MANY OTHER USES)

Steps:

• Put all ingredients (except milk) in a food processor. Use a whole lemon if you love its flavour, otherwise a half should be plenty. Buzz for at least a minute.
• If the end result is too thick for your liking/use, add milk - 1 tablespoon at a time - until you have the consistency you need.
• Serve as a dip for raw vegetables (or for any other use you can imagine).

PEGGY'S CHEESE SAVORIES

Steps:

• In a mixing bowl, mash the cheese and butter with a fork.
• Cream until well combined and smooth.
• Add flour and salt and combine thoroughly.
• Chill until firm, about 1 hour.
• Pinch off tiny pieces of dough and roll into tiny balls with the palms of your hands.
• Place 1 inch apart on 1 or 2 ungreased cookie sheets-- they really spread.
• Bake in a preheated 450 degree F (yes, that's a hot oven) for 8 minutes.
• Serve warm or cold.

BLUE CHEESE DIP I

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
• In a large skillet, fry chopped bacon until it is almost done. Stir garlic into the skillet. Remove from skillet and drain excess fat.
• In a medium mixing bowl, mix bacon with cream cheese and blue cheese. Transfer the mixture to a casserole dish. Sprinkle nuts over the dip.
• Bake for 30 to 40 minutes.