A Family Favorite

Marilyn's Olive Dip with Fresh Dill

This is one of those recipes that will forever be a part of my culinary repertoire. Yes, it's dip, but this is the perfect recipe when it comes to last minute entertaining [and late night snacking]. My mother's friend Marilyn gave her the recipe after tasting it at a get-together and it's been in our family ever since. The original recipe included real cream cheese, miracle whip, olives, and walnuts, but I've made some substitutions to make it a bit healthier. The addition of fresh dill adds a new life, but the soul of the dip definitely still there. Salty, sweet and easy to prep - this recipe is truly a family favorite.

Serves 8 to 10

Ingredients

8 ounces Tofutti Cream Cheese
8 ounces Greek Yogurt
1/4 cup Spanish olives
1 tbsp olive juice
1/2 cup chopped walnuts
1 tsp organic all purpose seasoning
2 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped or 2 tsp dried dill

Note: If you don't have [or like] dill, feel free to substitute fresh chives or parsley. Actually, I would suggest you mix it up with whatever herbs are freshest that day. Each herb will lend a delightfully verdant flavor in contrast to the smooth tanginess of the yogurt/cream cheese mixture. Yum...

Directions

1. In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, yogurt and olive juice. Blend until smooth.

2. Stir in remaining ingredients: olives, walnuts, dill and seasoning.

3. Refridgerate until ready to serve.

Serve alongside Snack Factory Pretzel Crisps [beware - they are super addicting!!] or garden-inspired crudité like radishes, celery and carrots. Enjoy!