Zesty Cheese Dip

I was recently asked to submit a simple recipe that could be made by our daughter for her American Heritage Girls group Christmas party. This was honestly a bit of challenge since I do so much cooking and baking without recipes or with recipes which are too complicated for a 7-year-old to do mostly on her own. The recipe I submitted for the little cookbook for the girls is below, just made up by me. But we did make it today and it is a keeper at our house. And in this season of an overload of sweets, this bit of savory hits the spot.

Zesty Cheese Dip

8 oz. cream cheese, softened

1 t. garlic powder

1/2 t. onion powder

1/2 t. smoked paprika

1/8 to 1/4 t. cayenne pepper, to taste

1 C. finely grated cheddar cheese

1/2 C. parmesan or asiago cheese, shredded (optional)

In a bowl, mix cream cheese and spices well. Add cheddar cheese and mix. Transfer to a small serving bowl and chill. Or shape into a ball and roll in shredded parmesan or asiago cheese, cover with plastic wrap and chill.

Serve with sturdy crackers or spread on bagels. Enjoy!