Spinach-Artichoke Dip

1 cup artichokes hearts, chopped and drained (There is usually 2 cups in the container.)
1/2 cup frozen spinach thawed, chopped and drained (If you use the boxed spinach from the freezer there is 1 cup in it.)
8 oz cream cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
1/4 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. white pepper
dash black pepper
Boil spinach and artichokes, red pepper flakes, salt, and peppers in 1 cup water until tender (approximately 5 minutes). Drain. Heat cream cheese in microwave for 1 minute. Add spinach, artichokes, and parmesan cheese. Mix well.
Best if served warm either as a dip on bread, tortilla chips, or spread on flat tortillas.

I like the small baguette bread. I slice it thinly on an angle. Brush the bread with olive oil. Cover the top with dip. I usually add a sprinkle more Parmesan cheese on top and bake at 400 degrees 5-7 minutes...just until the cheese starts to melt.

Enjoy!

Sausage-Cheese Balls

10 oz. shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 lb sausage (any flavor you like)
3 cups baking mix
water

Mix ingredients with just enough water to hold together.  Roll into balls about the size of a ping pong ball or golf ball.  Bake 1" apart on a cookie sheet 15 to 20 minutes at 350 degrees.

***I like to make these ahead to prepare for breakfast or parties.  I roll the balls and place them on a cookie sheet.  The cookie sheet goes into the freezer just until they are frozen.  Remove them from the freezer and place the frozen balls into a freezer safe plastic bag or container.  Take out as many of the sausage balls as you would like to cook each time.  They are great to take with you to work for break or for kids breakfast.***

Hidden Valley Ranch Oyster Crackers

1 package (1.0 oz.) Hidden Valley Dry Ranch Milk Recipe Salad Dressing Mix
1/2 teaspoon dill weed
3/4 cup canola oil
5 cups (11 ounces) plain oyster crackers
Additional options....1/4 teaspoon lemon pepper and/or 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

Combine dressing mix with the dill weed and oil. Pour over crackers; stir to coat.
Place in a warm oven (250 degrees Fahrenheit) for 15 to 20 minutes. Stir gently halfway through baking.