St. Patrick's Day Celebration Food

My very favorite dip for veggies, chips...whatever...
It's great with everything.

The recipe is below...  if you'd like a step by step tutorial:
visit: Spinach Dip Tutorial
I illustrate every step of this super easy (low carb) dip!!

P.S. --the garlic in this awesome dip is potent, and what makes it so delicious... just make sure everyone else is eating the dip too...or invest in some mints.

Spinach Dip

INGREDIENTS:

Fresh baby spinach (enough to fill your food processor)  2-3 Cups,

1/2 cup real mayo

1 clove of garlic peeled

salt and fresh cracked pepper to taste

In a food processor, add spinach, garlic clove.  Chop well.  Add mayo.  Blend.  Add salt and pepper to taste.  Serve.

* Substitute plain Greek yogurt for the mayo for a more healthful option. 
*Can be made ahead, the flavors get stronger...and it is still excellent.


And dessert...
If we plan to celebrate St. Patrick's Day and little green dessert is in order!

Mint Oreo Cheesecake Bites

Karri Perry; Blue Ribbon Kitchen

Ingredients:

2 bricks cream cheese (16 ounces)-softened

¾ cup granulated sugar

2 large eggs

½ teaspoon mint extract

¼ cup sour cream

1-2 tiny drops green food coloring-optional

18 mint Oreo cookies

Ganache:

½ cup heavy cream-heated

½ cup chocolate chips

Mix together until smooth

Whipped Cream

1 cup heavy cream

3 Tbs sugar

1 tsp vanilla

Whip together on medium until thickened

Line a muffin tin with foil cupcake liners.  Add one Oreo to the bottom of each liner.

Mix the softened cream cheese, sugar and sour cream.  Mix until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, add extract and food coloring. Mix until uniform in consistency and color..

Scoop cheesecake batter into each muffin cup, filling ¾ full.

Bake at 350 degrees on the middle oven rack for 25 minutes, or until set. Do not over-bake or brown the tops. Let cool 20 minutes, top with ganache and refrigerate. After 2 hours, top with prepared whipped cream.  Garnish with Andes Mints, Oreo crumbles or sprinkles.