Product Review: Lipton Onion Mushroom Soup and Dip mix

It all started a few weeks ago. My girlfriend got sick, so I went to the store for orange juice, medicine, and soup. The problem comes that my girlfriend is pescetarian, and chicken noodle soup isn't going to do anything but make her more ill.  So, I went down the soup aisle, looking for a replacement that is savory and warm, but doesn't contain meat.  I found the Lipton soup mixes, and while I'd never used them aside for their intended purpose (making onion dip, obviously), I figured it'd be worth a go.

And it was.  It was warm and tasty, and it was good.  Not life changing good, but good none-the-less.  When I was reading over the box when one of the other recipes on the box caught my eye.  It wasn't for the dip, and it wasn't the one for slow-cooker pulled pork (although my mouth is watering just thinking about it.)

It was for gravy.  So, the next week we whipped up some of Blackmoonshine's cheese balls, made some boxed mashed potatoes, and covered the whole thing with mushroom gravy.

It was glorious.

The next step will be make poutine, American style.  I'm assuming that, too, will be glorious.

So, I guess what I'm really trying to say is this: Get some, stick it in your cupboard, and you won't regret it.  Should you make a mad dash to the store, right this instant?  No.  It's not going to change your life, it's not essential, but it is good, and worth having around.  So, next time you are in the store and thinking of this post, do it.  You won't regret it.

Arbitrary product score: 7 out of 10 cooks agree, keep it in the kitchen!*

*This isn't actually a statistic, I haven't actually asked 10 cooks, please don't sue me.

Greek French Onion Dip

As much as I love crudités, they can be a bit boring.  Then again, so can chips and pretzels, and so many other snack foods.  There are several things that can be done to combat blandness, however.  The simplest, by far, is to have some dip with your snacks.

Dips can be a snap to make, and delicious to boot.  However, they tend to be made out of things like sour cream and mayonnaise, which are hefty in terms of calories and bad for people who are trying to be healthy.  Since this month is about getting some healthy snack options around the table, a run-of-the-mill dip just won't do. Luckily, I know just the thing.

Equipment:
Stirring Spoon
Mixing bowl
Measuring implements

Ingredients:
1 packet French Onion Soup Mix
8 oz Greek-style yogurt
2 Tbsp Mayo (or to taste)

Directions:
1. Mix all ingredients in bowl
2. Let sit in refrigerator for 10~15 minutes

Serve with crudités, or ruffled potato chips.

Possible Alterations:
Greek-style yogurt can be pricey, and while I've not tried this recipe with plain yogurt, it certainly seems like it could work.  If you're willing to try it, please report back here and I'll update this post.  A friend of mine has also mentioned  that you can fake Greek-style yogurt by straining plain yogurt with coffee filters for a few hours, so that could also be something worth trying.  Also, if you're uncaring to how healthy your snacks are, you can substitute sour cream for the yogurt.  You may want to add a bit more mayo if you do, but you don't have to.  Of course, there is also the Bacon French Onion dip I mentioned a while ago.

Happy gaming!

Bacon French Onion Dip

Snacks around the table are just as important, if not more so, than having dinner itself.  One can buy dips from the store, pre-made, but it's usually worth it to make your own.  French Onion dip is a classic, and this interesting twist definitely brings something new to the party!

Ingredients:
1 cup J&D's Baconnaise
1 cup sour cream (1 cup is the same as 1 eight ounce package of sour cream)
1 packet french onion soup mix

Equipment:
1 spoon for mixing
1 bowl
Measuring cups

Directions:

1. Combine Baconnaise, sour cream, and french onion soup mix.
2. Let set in the refrigerator for 15~20 minutes.

Serve with thick ripple-cut chips and enjoy!

Possible Alterations:
Baconnaise is tasty, but it can be both hard to find and expensive.  Once could probably get a similar result by using mayonnaise mixed with freshly made bacon bits, although that would be a less healthy option.  It should be noted that Baconnaise is actually somewhat  healthier than real mayonnaise, and, like Bacon Salt, is both kosher and vegan friendly.

Happy gaming!