Cooking Thursday

I have a fun recipe for you for this season.  This is a dessert dip, served with cookies, graham crackers, fresh fruit...  It looks festive with candy cane bits in it, and it's so easy to mix up.
I was asked to come back to my work place for a "dip party" for someone who works there and I took this.  We all liked it.

Candy Cane Dip

8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1 teaspoon peppermint extract
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
8 ounces Cool Whip, thawed
1/2 cup crushed candy cane, divided

1/2 cup mini chocolate chips optional
Cookies, crackers, fresh fruit for dipping
Beat together the cream cheese and powdered sugar.  Stir in the peppermint and vanilla extract, then stir in the Cool Whip.
Stir in 1/4 cup crushed candy cane and chill until ready to serve, at least 2 hours. Allow to sit at room temp for 15 minutes before serving.
Right before serving, sprinkle remaining crushed candy cane over top.

Recommended dippers: chocolate teddy grahams, pretzels, chessman cookies, vanilla cookies, animal cookies, oreos - chocolate or vanilla, fresh fruit.