Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Homemade Ranch Dressing Mix

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 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.