Sarah's Famous Ranch Dressing

Well, famous within our family, anyway. It's pretty darn good if I do say so myself.

Spice Blend Ingredients

• 3 saltine crackers
• 4 tbsp dried parsley flakes
• 1 tbsp dried minced onions
• 1 tbsp onion powder
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 2 tsp dried dill weed
• 1/2 tsp celery seed
• 1/2 tsp ground black pepper

Dressing Ingredients

• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1 1/2 tbsp spice blend, as above
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/4 to 1/2 tsp MSG, to taste

Directions

Grind the spice blend ingredients together in a spice grinder. This will make enough for more than one batch of dressing; the extra can be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place for several months.

To make a batch of dressing: slowly add buttermilk to mayonnaise, stirring as you go, to avoid lumps. Once the two are mixed, add spice blend, salt, and MSG, and stir well. The dressing will develop more flavor as it sits in the refrigerator, so make it a day in advance for best results.

For a thicker, richer dressing/dip, reduce buttermilk and mayonnaise to 1/2 cup and add 1 cup sour cream.