Condiments, Herbs & Spices

2 cups water
1/3 cup dry-packed sun-dried tomatoes (about 10 halves)
1 cup sour cream
2/3 cup packed basil leaves, chopped
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1 pkg (1 oz) ranch seasonging and salad dressing mix
1/4 cup milk
1 tsp minced dried onion
1/4 tsp garlic powder
Assorted veggies, chips, crackers


In small saucepan, bring water to a boil. Add tomatoes; simmer 3 minutes. Remove from heat;
let stand 3 minutes to soften. Drain; let cool.
In bowl, mix sour cream, basil, mayonnaise, seasoning mix, milk, dried onion and garlic
powder. Chop tomatoes into small pieces. Stir into mixture in bowl. Cover with plastic
wrap. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
To serve, stir dip. Accompany with veggies, chips and crackers.


Basil-Tomato Dip



Gingered Cranberry Sauce


1 juice orange
1 pkg (12 oz) fresh or frozen cranberries
1 tbsp grated peeled fresh ginger
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1-1/4 cups sugar
1/2 cup cranberry juice or cranberry juice blend


Grate 2 teaspoons rind from orange. Save for garnish. With knife, remove remaining peel and
white pith from orange. Chop orange into 1/2 inch pieces, discarding any seeds.
In nonreactive saucepan, combine orange pieces, cranberries, ginger, lemon juice, sugar,
and juice. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer 3 to 5 minutes, until thickened and most of
berries have popped.
Transfer sauce to serving bowl. Cool, stirring occasionally; refrigerate. To serve, garnish
with reserved rind.



Tartar Sauce (Southern)


1 cup salad dressing
3 tablespoons finely chopped sweet pickle
1 teaspoon sweet pickle juice
1 tablespoon finely chopped parsley
1 tablespoon finely chopped capers
2 tablespoons finely chopped stuffed olives
1 teaspoon grated onion


Mix all ingredients. Cover and refrigerate.




Garlic Peppercorn Vinegar


5 whole black peppercorns
2 large garlic clove, peeled
2 cups white vinegar


MICROWAVE DIRECTIONS:
Place peppercorns in clean pint jar. Thread garlic on wooden skewer;
place in jar. Add vinegar. Microwave on HIGH 2-1/2 to 3 minutes or
unil vinegar reaches 140 to 150*F (jar will be warm to the touch). Cover;
let stand in a cool dark place for several days to 2 weeks to blend
flavors. If desired, strain into decorative jar and add fresh peppercorns
and garlic. Makes 1 pint


CONVENTIONAL DIRECTIONS:
Place peppercorns in clean pint jar. Thread garlic on wooden skewer;
place in jar. In small stainless steel saucepan, heat vinegar to boiling;
carefully pour into jar. Continue as directed above.