THE INA MONOLOGUES

I'm in love with a barefoot contessa..THE Barefoot Contessa, actually..Ina Garten. A few weeks ago on a rainy Saturday afternoon, both sick, Joe and I did something we rarely do..jumped into bed and turned on the tube. There she was..in all her glory..Ina Garten cooking up something fabulous in her kitchen. I was hooked. With a gift certificate burning a hole in my pocket I raced out to Barnes & Noble and picked up her "Barefoot Contessa at Home" which promises, "everyday recipes you'll make over and over again." She's right. One of our favorites we (well, Joe) whipped up twice this weekend was her GREEN HERB DIP. It's simple, easy and (clearly) delicious.

HERE'S HOW WE WENT GREEN:

1.) 8 ounces cream cheese at room temperature

2.) 1/2 cup sour cream at room temperature

3.) 1/2 cup mayonnaise

4.) 3/4 cup chopped scallions (white and green parts)

5.) 1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley

6.) 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill

7.) 1 teaspoon kosher salt

8.) 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

We mixed in our Cuisinart food processor until just blended and served chilled. Ina serves with cucumbers and tomatoes, we broke open a bag of pretzels (the salt mixed well with the dip) and dove in!

TIME TO COMPLETE TASK: Five minutes

COST: $8.00

STRESS LEVEL: after eating entire bowl, MEDIUM