Meat Free Mexican Dip

Serves: 6 for a salad-- or 12 + for a dip. :) (and this recipe can be doubled or tripled very easily for your needs)

INGREDIENTS:
2 15 oz. can - black beans (rinsed)
2 16 oz. jars medium salsa
6-8 sprigs of cilantro
2 large avocado
6 stalks green onion
Shredded Pepper Jack Cheese

DIRECTIONS:
Mix all ingredients together (except cheese) in a good processor. (pulse it 5 to 6 times)
Heat in microwave until thoroughly heated.
Serve on a bed of lettuce (salad), or with chips (dip), or stack on a taco shell (taco)
Top with shredded cheese.
ENJOY!

Homemade Ranch Dressing

This tasty dressing was just tried last night. Our family LOVES ranch dressing/dip so when we found this recipe we just had to try it.... needless to say, and I'm sure you'll find out soon that this dressing tastes just like.... actually, even better than the regular stuff from a bottle. It is VERY easy to make also!

Ingredients:

2 cups mayonnaise

2 cups buttermilk

4 TBSP finely chopped green onion

1/2 tsp onion powder

4 TBSP minced fresh parsley

2 cloves garlic, crushed

1/2 tsp paprika

1/4 tsp cayenne powder or a few (3) drops of Tabasco sauce

1/2 salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

Directions:

Combine all ingredients well. Store in refrigerator, in a container with a tight fitting lid.

Chocolate Chip Cheese Ball

This is probably one of the most DELICIOUS things I have ever tasted! :) It is great for parties, as a matter of fact, I am making it for a party in a couple of weeks. It is a perfect side dish! I hope you like it as much as I do.
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Ingredients:
1 pkg. 8 oz. Cream Cheese
1/4 cup butter, softened (can't use any substitutes)
1/2 tsp Vanilla
3/4 cup confectioner's sugar
2 TBSP Brown Sugar
3/4 cup Mini Chocolate Chips
3/4 cup finely chopped Nuts
Graham or Animal Crackers
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Directions:

• In a mixing bowl, beat the cream cheese, butter, and vanilla until fluffy.
• Gradually, add sugar, beat just until combined.
• Stir in Chocolate chips.
• Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours.
• Place cream cheese mixture on a large piece of plastic wrap, shape into a ball. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour
• Just before serving, roll cheese ball in nuts.

Serve with graham or animal crackers.