Ranch Dressing

Ranch dressing has got to be one of the most versatile foods ever.  It is great on a salad or with fresh veggies, of course, but it is also delicious in a bbq chicken wrap, partnered with Mexican food, used as a binder in many casseroles, and much more.  Ranch dressing is yummy.I love ranch dressing, but I don't love that there is always a processed food aftertaste and/or tinny flavor to it.  Soooooooo, I set out to make my own.  I figured it would be easy, but I didn't realize quite how easy.  Seriously, five minutes and a few ingredients and voila, you have your own homemade ranch.  I also love that with homemade ranch, you have the ability to control the spices--more dill, less dill, more chives, less chives, more garlic, less garlic, more pepper, less pepper, creamier, sturdier...the options are endless.  You get to hand tailor your ranch precisely to your taste buds' delight!No more store-bought junk for this girl, that's for sure.Ranch Dressing:  (This is how I like mine.)

• 1/2 heaping cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 heaping cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon dried dill weed
• 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
• 3/4 teaspoon dried chives
• 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon fine sea salt
• 1/4 - 1/2 teaspoon finely cracked pepper
• 3ish teaspoons of freshly squeezed lemon juice (it adds great tang)

1. Stir together the mayonnaise, sour cream, and buttermilk until smooth.
2. Add all of the spices and stir until combined.
3. Add the lemon, a little at a time.  Taste as you go.
4. Pour into an airtight container and chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.