More Summer Lovin'

Ahhhhhh.....spring! Can you smell it? I know parts of the country are getting bombed with snow right now, but here in the North, we are actually having some decent temperatures! Of course, as I type this right now it's pouring rain and the temperature has dropped a good ten degrees, but that's okay! It's not snowing and that's exciting!

I had great plans of getting v1.6 on the bus this morning and then getting some fun shots of the spring flowers that are popping up, but the rain moved in and I wasn't really looking to use the warranty on my camera anytime soon - so I think I'll stay inside and keep dry! :)

I promised everyone a recipe to accompany the BBQ chicken bites that I posted the other day - you can see that recipe here. I don't have a picture of this recipe for you, but I'll be making it again in the next couple of weeks so I'll post a picture the next time I make it.

I went in search of a 'salad' recipe after I was sick of the mayo based pasta salad and potato salad. I found a version of this and decided to try it and it's been so long now I can't remember where I found the original recipe. I've changed a few things up through the years though.

Ranch Potato Salad

Ingredients

1 - 5lb. bag of red potatoes

1/4 - 1/2 cup low fat ranch dressing

1 package real bacon bits

2 cups low fat sharp cheddar cheese

1 tsp black pepper

1 - 2 tsp garlic powder (or minced garlic)

Directions

Bring a large stock pot filled with water to a rolling boil. Chop potatoes into small pieces. You do not have to peel them unless you want. Add chopped potatoes to boiling water and cook until tender. This can take about 10-15 minutes depending upon how big your chunks are. Drain potatoes and set aside for an hour or more to cool. You can speed this process by putting them in the refrigerator. 

To a large serving bowl add ranch dressing, garlic, pepper, bacon bits and 1 cup cheese. Add potatoes and stir until combined. At this point you may need to add more ranch dressing if you prefer. Once everything is combined add the rest of the cheese and stir again. Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight. 

And that's it! I have made this salad so many times and I get compliments every time I bring it to a party! 

What's your go-to dish that you bring to parties or potlucks? Let me know in the comments below or email me! 

I'm hoping to have a new post in a couple of days about Urban Decay's Naked 2 palette! Have you tried it yet? Are you new to Urban Decay? I'm brand new to UB, but let me tell you - I am in love with their products! 

I hope it's spring-like wherever you are! Ciao for now, bellas! ;)