This dip is legendary on my mom’s side of the family. When we were planning our meals for our vacation on Lake Ouachita, there was really only one request: Uncle Bill’s dip. I guess you could say it’s his signature dish.

My uncle’s been making this dip for years and, after a bowl was quickly devoured before dinner one night, I asked for the recipe. It tastes unlike any other chip dip I’ve had because of the unique flavor combinations. My uncle gave me the list of ingredients and told me he just “eyeballs it” when it comes to each amount. I decided to whip some up for a get-together at a friend’s house over the weekend and was nervous I wouldn’t get it right. But, the dip was a hit and I think my Uncle Bill would be proud.

I must say, he insists this dip just won’t taste the same if you try to lighten it up with low-fat cream cheese. I haven’t tested that theory out yet — some recipes are just too good to mess with.

[ingredients title=”Ingredients”]

• 8 oz. cream cheese
• Splash of milk
• 1 Tbsp. Heinz chili sauce
• 1/2 tsp. mild curry powder
• 1/4 tsp. garlic salt

[/ingredients]

[directions title=”Directions”]

1. Place the cream cheese and milk in a large bowl and beat using an electric mixer on high speed until smooth.
2. Add chili sauce, curry powder and garlic salt to the cream cheese mixture and beat until combined. Use a small spoon to taste the dip and adjust seasonings to your liking.

[/directions]

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I know lots of people head to picnics, potlucks and cookouts to celebrate Independence Day, so I’m rounding up some of my favorite recipes that you can easily whip up for your get together. When it comes to any holiday, I favor food I can make the night before the event or throw in the crockpot the morning of. Holidays should be about relaxing and savoring time with family and friends — not slaving away all day in the kitchen. Here are some simple but delicious dishes to take along to your July 4th gathering:

Snacks

Prosciutto + Melon Crostini

Pimento Cheese Spread

Two-Ingredient Creamy Salsa Dip

Parmesan Truffle Popcorn

Homemade Salsa

Ranch House Cheese Spread

Curried Cashews

Entrees

Campside Crockpot Carnitas

Slow-Cooker Dry Rubbed Pulled Pork

Lightened-Up Beer Chicken Enchiladas

Desserts

Lemon White Chocolate Rice Krispie Treats

Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp

The Best Banana Cookies

Drinks

Layered Cream and Crimson Margaritas

Summertime Sangria

The post July 4th Recipe Roundup appeared first on The Broadcasting Baker.

I think you can tell a lot about a person from what they decide to eat when they’re alone.

Cooking is a huge passion of mine, but I relish the rare night when James is out of town or working late and I can eat whatever I feel like eating. It’s usually an odd combination of foods that are easy to throw together quickly, often enjoyed with a glass of wine and some trashy TV.

The variety usually varies, but I almost always find myself reaching for fruit and cheese. It’s a classic combination that requires little-to-no prep time and never gets old. You can almost always find some Brie or goat cheese in our fridge for nights when turning on the oven seems like too much.

But this week I wanted something different. I recently had some amazing, homemade pimento cheese while visiting a friend and decided to put my own spin on this Southern classic. This version features fresh garlic and a pinch of cayenne to give the spread a little kick.

I’ll be enjoying a little bit of this pimento cheese for dinner while James is out of town for the next few days. While I always miss him when he’s gone, I’m glad I have this spread all to myself.

Now I want to know: what do you eat when you’re alone?

Pimento Cheese Spread

[ingredients title=”Ingredients”]

• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
• 1 cup Colby-jack cheese, freshly shredded
• 8 oz. Neufchâtel or light cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup olive oil mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup pimentos, drained and minced
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/2 tsp. pepper
• 1/4 tsp. cayenne
• Dash of Worcestershire sauce

[/ingredients]

[directions title=”Directions”]

1. Combine cheeses and mayonnaise in a large bowl and beat together using an electric mixer on medium speed.
2. Once cheeses are combined, add remaining ingredients and beat on medium speed until well combined.
3. Refrigerate for at least two hours before serving.

[/directions]

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