If you have children then you probably use a lot of Ranch Dressing. Kids love it and will eat just about anything if it has this treat poured over it or on the side for dipping. When I was a kid my mom used Thousand Island Dressing in the same way. It was most effective for disguising the taste of peas!
Now that I'm a mom, the problem I have serving Ranch Dressing is all the junk added to it that I don't want my kids ingesting: preservatives, additives, and sugar.
Here's a recipe for a quick powdered mix that you can make and keep on hand for whipping up your own batch of dressing or dip.
Homemade Ranch Dressing Mix
1/2 cup Bob's Red Mill Buttermilk Powder
1 T. dried parsley flakes
1 tsp. dill weed
1 tsp. onion powder
1 tsp. dried chives
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/4 tsp. pepper, ground
Combine all ingredients either by hand or in a blender on low speed. Store in an airtight jar in a cool dry place until ready to use.
To make ranch dressing:
Combine one tablespoon mix with one cup of mayonnaise and one cup milk.
To make ranch dip:
Combine one tablespoon mix with one cup of mayonnaise and thin with just enough milk to make desired consistency.
For cooking recipes:
Use one tablespoon mix per envelope of commercial Ranch Dressing.
Hint: For long term storage, seal in a vacuum pac such as a Food Saver or Seal-A-Meal bag.
