Life in Australia

Hi all,
Well I am retired now and have moved to Australia to be closer to some of my children and grandchildren. It's great being with my Grandbabies and watching them grow.  Australia is a beautiful place to live, but  there have been a few adjustments especially in my cooking, it's like getting back to basics again and I love it! Like the scratch Ranch dressing I posted here, they don't have the packet Ranch here so I break it down to basic ingredients and try to get as close to the flavors I like. So that's where my life is now and I know I am so very blessed.

Homemade Ranch Dressing

1 cup mayonaise
1 cup buttermilk  

1 cup sour cream
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. onion powder or

2 sprig fresh spring onion, chopped small
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. pepper
1tsp. parsley flakes
mix all ingredients together in a bowl until blended , refrigerate 1 hour,  pour over fresh salad or use as a dip for onions rings or fries.
store in a container in the fridge...Enjoy!



*there are many ways to make this, if you would like a stronger taste you can increase any ingredient.

**Buttermilk substitute 1 cup milk to 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice or 2 tablespoons white vinegar stir to combine, let rest 30 minutes until milk starts to curdle.

Easiest Homemade Spinach Dip

Spinach Dip
1 pkt. Frozen Spinach, squeezed & drained
2/3 cup - mayo

2/3 cup - sour cream
1/4 cup - Parmesan cheese, 
grated1 glove garlic, Chopped

2 spring onions, chopped 
1/4 tsp. - Pepper

2 teaspoon powdered Vegetable stock, low sodium 
2 tablespoon- slivered almonds, chopped

1 red roasted pepper, diced

Put all ingredients in a bowl and blend together thoroughly, chill at least an hour before serving.

Serve with ritz crackers, toasted bread slices or carrot & celery sticks

*Make sure to drain the spinach good or it will be too watery and the flavors won't come out as tasty.