Lemon Poppy Feta Dip - A Tasty Dip for Veggies or Crackers

Being hospitable comes naturally to me. I simply enjoy hosting people, caring for them. I love to entertain - whether a play group, dinner party, holiday celebration, birthday party, baby showers -- you name it, if preparing food and serving others is involved, I am SO THERE.

I developed this recipe because I wanted a healthy alternative to the MSG and artificial fillers found in so many grocery shelved dips. I enjoy using every one of the thousands of tastebuds on my tongue -- but endeavor to fuel my body when I eat. I also seek to serve my friends and guests food that I trust will be enjoyed before, during and after eating.

My friends at playgroup always make me feel so good about my efforts with their comments about how attractive and good everything looks and smells. There are usually many comments about the full flavor of the simple snacks I prepare. Perhaps the most satisfying comment a friend recently offered was, "The food was so good, and I don't feel heavy and weighed down like I usually do from party foods."

4 ounces Greek yogurt - plain
8 ounces cream cheese (I prefer Philadelphia brand)
8 to 12 ounces feta cheese (depends on how strong you like the feta flavor)
2-4 fresh basil leaves - (again, depends how strong you like basil)
juice & zest of one small lemon -or- 1 to 2 tablespoons lemon juice from concentrate
1 to 2 tablespoons poppy seeds

The reasons I prefer using Greek yogurt are for nutrition and creaminess. Greek yogurt packs a whopping 23 grams of protein per serving -- that is up to almost three times more of some yogurts! Because of the process in making Greek yogurt, its texture is super creamy. A tip for cooking: if a recipe calls for sour cream plain yogurt is a healthy alternative. Substitute equal measurement.

In a saucepan, heat the yogurt over medium-low heat for three minutes, stirring occassionally. Add two to four fresh basil leaves, torn into small pieces. Add cream cheese, stir for a couple more minutes. Add feta cheese, stirring occassionally. Add poppy seeds. Reduce heat to lowest setting, allow to simmer for five minutes. Turn off heat, leave pan on burner. Allow to cool to room temperature, stirring occasionally.

When cooled, stirr in juice & zest, then spoon dip into serving dish. I add the lemon juice when the dip is cool because lemon juice offers a lot of nutritional benefits, especially when ingested raw.

Excellent with fresh veggies or crackers.

I would imagine you need to store in an airtight container, in the fridge. I have yet to have leftovers -- the bowl is usually scraped clean!