Best Ever Football Snack (...at least one of the best)

It's not that we're obsessed with "buffalo style" recipes (see Buffalo Salmon), it's just that this is a real treat for people who like buffalo wings.  My friend Cassie shared this with our book club years ago, saying it was a great appetizer for men, but I can tell you that it's as big a hit with any women I've ever served it to!  Seeing that we're in football season, and comfort food cravings due to cold and wet weather, I thought this would be a wonderful one to share.

What:  A cheesy, tangy, loaded with chopped chicken (and a bit of a kick) hot dip.  It has all the flavors you love in buffalo chicken wings -- ranch and blue cheese salad dressings, hot sauce, fresh chicken, but without the grease.

Recipe: 2 to 4 finely chopped cooked chicken breasts (I usually use 4, and boil them in water, salt, pepper, and a bay leaf for a little extra flavor.)

• 2 - 8oz. packages of cream cheese (softened)
• 1/2 cup each of ranch and blue cheese salad dressings;
• 3/4 cup Texas Pete Hot Sauce
• 1/2 shredded cheddar cheese

Mix all of the above listed ingredients together in a large bowl (setting 1/2 cup of the cheddar aside), and place in an oven safe baking dish.  Sprinkle top with reserved cheese, and bake at 350 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes.  Serve it hot with sliced baggette, or buttery crackers like Ritz or Club -- and don't forget to serve some sliced celery and carrots on the side.

Why It’s the Best:  I think that the best thing about this dip, aside the fact that it's delicious, addictive, and loved by all, is that you get to enjoy the taste of eating a plate full of "hot wings", but don't have the mess involved with eating the "real deal".  You know what I'm talking about, the greasy, orange stained fingers, working the little chicken bones to get every last bite without looking like a caveman, the multiple piles of napkins wasted trying to rid your hands of the mess, etc... 

Okay, I know thats part of the fun -- but just give it a try, and let us know what you think by posting your comments on the blog site.  We'd love to hear from you (especially you, Sandrine!).  Enjoy.

How We Know: Years of successful sharing, and the fact that just about everyone who eats it wants the recipe.  You'll see...

Craving Level:  Weekly, during football season!