Scallion Spread

    In the name of all that is good in this world, I must make a confession.  The real name of this recipe is NOT scallion spread.  In actuality, this recipe doesn't even really HAVE a name.  We have always simply called it Granny Rachel Dip because Granny Rachel invented it. The truth of the matter is that if Granny Rachel were still with us, she would probably roll her eyes at the pretentious title I gave her recipe.  Now, to be perfectly honest, Granny Rachel is not even my own granny.  Please don't leave me for being deceitful!  I promise to tell only the truth from this point on.

   Granny Rachel was actually one of my oldest friends' grandmother.  Old as in we go way back not old as in ready for retirement.  Sarah and I both have deep familial roots in a little town right outside of Blacksburg, Virginia which sits just off the Appalachian Trail.  We met in high school, were roommates in college, lived in Atlanta just minutes from one another for several years, lived in Knoxville at the same time, and most recently just had babies at the same time.

    Part of our shared history has been that we would often visit each other back home in Virginia and consequently, we have come to know one another's families quite well.  I always used to love to go visit Sarah's Granny Rachel mainly because for such a tiny little thing, she had so much spunk!  Granny Rachel owned the local John Deere tractor supplier and loved to work in the store.  She also loved to mow with her own John Deere and could frequently be found on her riding mower.  In fact, one of my favorite pictures that Sarah took of Granny Rachel was of her sitting on her little tractor.  Granny Rachel passed away spring before last and when I think about her, I imagine her still at home, sitting on her mower and posing for Sarah.

(Thank you for sharing the picture, Sarah!)

   Granny Rachel also had some fantastic recipes.  I tasted Sarah's Granny Rachel Dip at a party a few years ago and was absolutely addicted from the first bite. When my own grandmother passed away, Sarah came our house after the funeral bearing this dip and I still think of it as a comfort food because of that memory.

    This is actually a very simple recipe but it is extremely flavorful.  Every now and then I decide to try something else in the dip and quickly realize I shouldn't have!  It really is best left alone.  You will probably want to taste it as you go along to make sure you have enough seasoning, but other than that,  I do not suggest adding a thing to it!  I feel certain Granny Rachel wouldn't want you to.

Scallion Spread

1 block of cream cheese, softened
1/4 C. mayonnaise
1/2 t. garlic powder (add more to taste)
1/2 t. seasoned salt (add more to taste)
1/3 C. sliced green onions, both green and white parts

Using a potato masher, a mixer, or a very heavy wooden spoon, thoroughly blend together the cream cheese, mayonnaise, garlic powder and seasoned salt.  Be sure to taste it afterwards to see if you need to add more seasoning.  Once you have it seasoned to your liking, gently stir in the green onions.

Serve immediately or refrigerate.  Best served with sturdy crackers such as Wheat Thins.