We hosted a birthday party for Mack and Vivian the other night.  It was a large crowd, so I wasn’t able to serve an entirely homemade meal. But, I supplemented pizza delivery with a homemade chopped salad and some simple appetizers.  Perhaps the most popular dish was homemade beer cheese. The men in the family practically inhaled it, so I had to squirrel away a serving for my dad who arrived a little late with Mack’s new Big Wheels. Its one of his favorites, for sure!

This recipe comes from a woman I worked with 10 years ago.  I no longer remember her name (Elizabeth, maybe), but I will forever be grateful for this recipe she shared with me. It is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

Homemade Beer Cheese Dip

2 packages cream cheese, softened

1 packet ranch dressing mix

1 cup beer (I used Red Stripe the other night, but any lager will do)

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

a few green onions, sliced thin

Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix with an electric mixer (you must use the mixer or else the dip will be very watery). Chill for 4 hours. Serve with crackers, pretzels, veggies.