Fun Cream Cheese Dips

Italian Cream Cheese

16 tablespoons cream cheese, fat free -- 1 - 8 oz. pkg. (It was too strong for me, so I added a 2nd package, 16 points per package)
1 package Italian dressing dry mix (I used the Zesty Italian by Good Seasons, 0 points for the package)

Cream ingredients together. 8 servings ~ 1/4 cup is 4 points, if you just use cucumber slices to
put it on
**This was too stiff a mixture for me so I added about 5 oz of lowfat plain yogurt (2 points). The taste is not as overpowering, and I can dip all kinds of veggies into it. Also, serve this with parsley sprigs, or peppermints, or some kind of breath freshener!!!!

Cucumbers with Cream Cheese

1 package low fat cream cheese
1 large cucumber
1/4 cup finely chopped chives

Peel the cucumber and slice in half. Remove all the
seeds. Either mince or grate the cucumber. I prefer to grate it - it takes far less time.
Add the cucumber to the softened package of cream cheese. Don't worry about the cucumber juice making it into the mixture, it adds to the flavor and keeps it from being so terribly stiff.
Add the chives and mix well. I have no idea of the points. 
Refrigerate until use. This takes some time for the
flavors to blend - it is best to make it the day before whatever event you are planning for it.

Picante and Cream Cheese


1 package softened cream cheese
picante sauce of choice

Mix picante with cream cheese until you like the
flavor and consistency. I like to soften the cream cheese in the microwave for a few seconds, it makes the blend smoother. My best friend likes the bits of un-mixed cream cheese in hers. Try both and see which you like. It is best when made the day before to let the flavors blend, but this is really the one mixture that can be mixed and used immediately and no one will ever complain.

Salmon Pate


1 can (~15 oz) red salmon - deboned and skin removed

2 - 8oz packages of cream cheese, softened
lemon juice to taste
dill weed to taste
1/4 cup finely chopped chives

Mix it all together, then chill. It is best when made the day before to let the flavors blend.
This can be served with party rye bread, Melba toast rounds, fat free crackers or just with the cucumbers.
Spread mixture on bread, cracker etc. and top with a slice of cucumber.