By Andy Bedwell
Vidalia Onion Appetizer
5 Vidalia onions, thinly sliced
1 cup water
1 cup sugar
½ cup cider vinegar
1 cup mayonnaise
16 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 teaspoon celery seed
Place the onion in a large bowl. Combine the water, sugar and vinegar in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Pour over the onions. Chill, tightly covered, for eight to 10 hours. Drain the onions. Add the remaining ingredients and mix well. Serve with Wheat Thins.
Andy’s Note: A childhood friend gave this recipe to me. Our parents were friends before we were even born and as a child and young adult we were close friends. Every time I make this I remember all our past fun memories. I always use Wheat Thins for my spreads and dips. The size is perfect and the taste is bland enough that it doesn’t take away from the spread or dip.
The Best Dip Yet
Mild pepper jelly (green)
1 8-ounce package cream cheese, softened
Put cream cheese on a pretty dish, pour one-third cup mild pepper jelly over top. Surround with Wheat Thins and a butter knife.
Andy’s Note: This is the best and the easiest dip to make. Even my men love it. I dare you to eat just one!
Bacon and Tomato Dip
1 cup mayonnaise
1 (8 ounce) sour cream
1 pound bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 carton cherry tomatoes
2 drops hot sauce
½ teaspoon Tony’s Creole seasoning or seasoned salt
Combine mayo, sour cream and Tony’s Creole Seasoning and mix well. Stir in bacon.
Andy’s Note: You can chop your tomatoes and add to the dip, but I like to scoop the tops out of my cherry tomatoes and stuff with the dip. Either way it is delicious and such a cute appetizer.
Stir and Drop Cookies
¾ cup sugar
2/3 cup oil
2 tablespoons vanilla flavoring
2 eggs
2 cups self-rising flour
Combine the sugar, oil, vanilla and eggs in a large bowl. Mix well. Add the flour one-half cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. Spoon onto ungreased cookie sheets about two inches apart. Bake at 400 degrees for five to 10 minutes.
Andy’s Note: I’ve added a little lemon zest to this recipe. It is so easy and good. In fact, I am going to make some today!
Happy Cooking,
Happy Cooking,
Andy Bedwell
“Southern Cooking with Andy Bedwell” can be purchased at Alabama Gift Company in downtown Gadsden and The Messenger on Rainbow Drive.