I'm continuously counting my blessings, giving thanks that I'm surrounded by such loving and caring people. From my family to my friends and coworkers, I have an amazing support group. My lovely friend, Scottie, set up a food delivery schedule for me for the first two weeks after Ellie's birth. We've had some wonderful dishes come in--eggplant parmigiana, pork tenderloin, flank steak with fried rice, the most amazing salads and more. Oh I've eaten well. Most of the folks who brought dinner also brought desserts with them including my friend Patti, who brought a delightful, low-fat caramel apple dip. The recipe is amazingly simple and utterly delicious.

Caramel Dip with Apples

1 (8oz.) package cream cheese, softened (you may use low-fat or regular)
1 c. brown sugar
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 c. (or more) chopped walnuts

Combine first 3 ingredients with a hand mixer until well-blended and creamy. Stir in chopped walnuts.

Serve with sliced Granny Smith apples... only Granny Smiths will do... it's important to have the tartness of the apple to complement the sweetness of the dip.

This recipe can easily be doubled (or tripled!) and stores well in the fridge.

My mouth is watering in anticipation of having more of this. YUM! :o) And, since I have to actually prepare food (for the first time in weeks) next week, I may just have to make some more of this.

Enjoy!
--Rach