• sour cream, italian dressing

1. Mix the contents of the packing into the sour cream (you can add more or less of the mix to suit your taste)

It was a cool autumn evening in upstate New York, and as the darkness brought by the setting sun hid the exuberant colors on the oak trees, partygoers were putting on their own colors for a large gathering of family and friends at the Willow Glen Manor. Shelley Coles, born in Rhinebeck, New York, was no stranger to large dinners since she lived in the family home with her parents, two sisters, and grandparents. Family dinners could get quite large when her uncles and aunts would join them. Tonight the young woman and mother of four had a large party planned. The long gravel driveway to her residence gave notice when each new guest arrived because the beams from the vehicle headlights shone into the two-story house. Shelley's twin boys would guess who was in each passing vehicle. Upon their arrival, the guests would have the door opened for them while their coats would be taken to be hung in the hall closet. A long narrow carpet runner helped lead them into the main living and dining room area which had high cathedral ceilings, as they said their greetings to the hosts and to the other guests. The open floor plan was great for just such occasions. Soft jazz piano music in the background and the easy familiarity of family made for a very relaxed and free atmosphere. Before the guests was a buffet of appetizers which centered around the dip and fresh cut vegetables. The delicious taste of the special dip was well known; however, the "secret recipe" was never given out despite repeated requests.

It was a cool autumn evening in upstate New York, and as the darkness brought by the setting sun hid the exuberant colors on the oak trees, partygoers were putting on their own colors for a large gathering of family and friends at the Willow Glen Manor. Shelley Coles, born in Rhinebeck, New York, was no stranger to large dinners since she lived in the family home with her parents, two sisters, and grandparents. Family dinners could get quite large when her uncles and aunts would join them. Tonight the young woman and mother of four had a large party planned. The long gravel driveway to her residence gave notice when each new guest arrived because the beams from the vehicle headlights shone into the two-story house. Shelley's twin boys would guess who was in each passing vehicle. Upon their arrival, the guests would have the door opened for them while their coats would be taken to be hung in the hall closet. A long narrow carpet runner helped lead them into the main living and dining room area which had high cathedral ceilings, as they said their greetings to the hosts and to the other guests. The open floor plan was great for just such occasions. Soft jazz piano music in the background and the easy familiarity of family made for a very relaxed and free atmosphere. Before the guests was a buffet of appetizers which centered around the dip and fresh cut vegetables. The delicious taste of the special dip was well known; however, the "secret recipe" was never given out despite repeated requests.

Children would eat their vegetables without hesitation when this special dip was around and adults, no matter how shy they might be, would find a way to get to it. Platters of fresh cut carrots, celery, radishes, green, red and yellow peppers, and broccoli were the primary options for the dip; however, even the occasional chip would find its way in. Once everyone arrived, well over thirty people ranging from close and extended family to the next-door neighbors were there. The dip brought people together who might not have been courageous enough to talk with a guest whom they did not know all that well or perhaps had not ever met. Once the bowl of dip was low, a new one would be prepared right under the eyes of the guest. However, since the guests were intent on enjoying the dip and were engaged in deep and exciting conversations, no one ever noticed the very simple "secret" recipe that was being prepared. Once a new batch of dip had arrived the appetizers would be re-stocked as well. Carrots and celery were always the most popular, although the texture of broccoli with the dip made that a popular option as well. Partygoers loved Shelley's parties and were amazed at how well she could entertain so many people. She would just say, "Well, thank you. I have a system and this is how I do it. Enjoy!"

Children would eat their vegetables without hesitation when this special dip was around and adults, no matter how shy they might be, would find a way to get to it. Platters of fresh cut carrots, celery, radishes, green, red and yellow peppers, and broccoli were the primary options for the dip; however, even the occasional chip would find its way in. Once everyone arrived, well over thirty people ranging from close and extended family to the next-door neighbors were there. The dip brought people together who might not have been courageous enough to talk with a guest whom they did not know all that well or perhaps had not ever met. Once the bowl of dip was low, a new one would be prepared right under the eyes of the guest. However, since the guests were intent on enjoying the dip and were engaged in deep and exciting conversations, no one ever noticed the very simple "secret" recipe that was being prepared. Once a new batch of dip had arrived the appetizers would be re-stocked as well. Carrots and celery were always the most popular, although the texture of broccoli with the dip made that a popular option as well. Partygoers loved Shelley's parties and were amazed at how well she could entertain so many people. She would just say, "Well, thank you. I have a system and this is how I do it. Enjoy!"