Dip #3 Snickers Apple Dip

This recipe is a tribute to my mother in-law, Marilyn. My side of the family is so blended, I don't think my in-laws get enough attention. So, this recipe is for you Mar!

I actually called Marilyn this morning to see if there was anything she needed to move into her NEW house. Yes, her NEW house! An endeavor which has taken two years worth of patience, planning, and building will finally be complete this summer. I also wanted to make sure it was okay to mention her on the blog:) You see, Marilyn is what I call a non-chef, chef. Unlike me, cooking is not her fancy. She runs the house while my father in-law, Doug, is out on the farm tending to the cattle. I know Marilyn has one job as a reading specialist for the local area education agency, but she wears many, many hats. Her job has her traveling a lot working with area schools on amping there reading instruction, working with government on the betterment for education in the state of Iowa, as well as leading teacher training programs for wannabe teachers. So, not only does she not really enjoy cooking, she does not have the time. When the holidays roll around, however, there are a few things that are simple traditions we look forward to at the table. Marilyn makes them quite well at that. Especially her apple Snickers salad.

This crowd pleasing salad is usually a cinch to put together and requires few ingredients perfect for the non-chef chef. Typically made with non-dairy whipped topping, apples, Snickers bars, and a few other things to sweeten 'er up, I thought this salad would be worthy deconstruction, a revamp, and turning into a dip for any celebratory occasion. In my recipe, I kept the Snickers, added 1/3 less fat cream cheese because I like cream cheese, and of course, had to add one healthy ingredient-- nonfat Greek yogurt. If you are looking for a lighter splurge this 4th of July that will aim to please, make this Snickers Apple Dip!

Snickers Apple Dip

8 oz. 1/3 less fat cream cheese, softened
1 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
3 tablespoons brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
7-8 fun size Snickers bars, chopped
Apple slices for dipping

In a large mixing bowl, mix all ingredients together until combine. You can serve immediately, or cover the dip and store in the fridge. To keep the apple slices from browning if you are taking this dip to a party or gathering, simply squeeze the juice of 1/2 of a lemon over the apple slices and toss to coat. Enjoy!