I am feeling a little Martha so here are a few quick and easy recipes for the upcoming holiday season.

Cheese Ball
2 8 oz. cream cheese (1/3 less fat)
1 stick butter
1 packet Hidden Valley Ranch Buttermilk dressing mix

The cream cheese and butter need to be room temp or you will have a heck of a time trying to mix them together. Once you mix them, add the ranch and form into a ball. Cover in wax (or parchment) paper and put it in the fridge or freezer. Before serving, roll the cheese ball in chopped walnuts or pecans. Serve with Keebler Toasteds crackers. I know it doesn’t sound very good, or good for you. You should try it anyway and let me know what you think.

Wowie Dip
1 block (or bag) of grated sharp chedder cheese
1 jar of Real Bacon pieces
1 16 oz. tub of light sour cream (but only use 3/4 of it)
1 packet Hidden Valley Ranch Buttermilk dressing mix

Mix all of the above together and serve with Fritos Scoops. It is so good. It is really good. For real.

Sausage Cheese Tarts
1 lb mild sausage, cooked and drained
1 2/3 cups shredded sharp cheddar
1 1/2 cups shredded Monterey jack
1 packet Hidden Valley Ranch Buttermilk dressing mix (spot a trend?)
1 2.5 ounce can of chopped black olives
1/2 cup finely chopped red bell pepper
Dash of Tabasco
4 packages Mini Fillo Shells (Athens Brand)

This one is a tad more complicated because you have to actually cook it. And the fillo shells are somewhat hard to find. They usually have them at Walmart but will be out when you go. Keep looking. It is worth it. Please pick up a few packs for me while you are at it, mmmkay? For filling, combine all ingredients and mix well. Place one heaping teaspoon in each shell (keep frozen until ready to use) and bake at 350 degrees for 10 minutes.

Disclaimer: Only prepare the above items if you intend to remove them from your house immediately. They are not low calorie or healthy in any way. They are however, addictive (HVR is the new MSG), and you will consume large quantities of them before you even notice. I will not be held responsible for the sudden weight gain you will experience. Unless, of course, you are trying to gain weight, in which case, go me.