Warm Blue Cheese Dip

Ingredients

• 8 slices hickory smoked bacon, diced
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup blue cheese, crumbled
• 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
• 2 tablespoons almonds, chopped
• 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped
• crackers, for dipping
• assorted fresh vegetables, for dipping

Directions

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

2. 2

   In nonstick skillet, cook bacon over medium-high heat for about 8 minutes or until nearly crisp.

3. 3

   Drain bacon; wipe skillet dry.

4. 4

   Return bacon to skillet; add garlic and cook over medium heat until bacon is crisp, about 3 minutes, making sure garlic doesn't burn.

5. 5

   Drain on paper towels.

6. 6

   With mixer on medium speed, beat cream cheese until smooth.

7. 7

   Add cream; beat well.

8. 8

   Fold in bacon, garlic, blue cheese and chives.

9. 9

   Transfer to a 2-cup baking dish.

10. 10

    Sprinkle top evenly with almonds.

11. 11

    Bake until heated through and brown on top, 25-30 minutes.

12. 12

    Sprinkle with parsley.

13. 13

    Serve with crackers, bread and/or vegetables.