I have returned!

Hello there friends! I know it's been a while... ok let's be honest, it's been basically forever since I've posted. Well dry those tears and let's get back in the kitchen!

As many of you know, I under went massive surgery and that is why I have been gone. After the difficult decision to have an amputation of my right leg, I am so happy to inform you that I am back on my feet... or foot and a new foot replacement. Also, after much training, sweat, and tears I can walk without assistance! That is what allows me to get back in the kitchen. So let's get to it!

Today, S and I were deciding what to have for lunch. We settled on a salad (trying to thin down the waistline) and a grilled cheese (so much for the waistline idea...). so here we are making a nice salad with spinach, kale, spring mix, cucumber, and avocado and decide to have some ranch dressing on it (ok the waistline is really not going to get smaller this way but I'm over it). We put the buttermilk in and the mayo in and... awesome. We have NO ranch packets! What is that quote?... "necessity is the mother of invention" by Plato. So, we prevailed by making our own ranch seasoning mix. Hidden Valley has been found! We combined a few recipes to create our own out of the seasonings we already had in the cupboard. It turned out pretty tasty! Even a little tangy which was delicious with the avocado. All of you who are recently married and have gotten those huge collections of spices in a spice rack, this is a perfect way to use it. You're welcome for making ranch available at anytime:

Dinkens' Ranch Mix
Makes about 1cup
1/2 c minced dried parsley flakes
2 tbs dried minced onion
1/2 tbs dried dill weed
1 tbs onion salt
1 tbs garlic salt
1 tbs garlic powder
1 tsp celery salt
2 tbs dried chives
Pepper to taste

Add 1 tbs of the ranch mix with 1 c mayo and 1 c buttermilk for ranch dressing!
Side note, I happen to like the chunkyish texture with the minced onion and chives but if you don't, blending the ingredients in a coffee grinder will give you a fine powdery texture. Here is the finished product in a jar... I now have ranch for 16 more times! Woohoo! I also notice that these little jars of ranch look like a great Christmas gift!! This recipe will also be added to my allrecipes.com profile!