Bacon, Lettuce, and Tomato Dip

This dip is great for summer cookouts and celebrations, especially when tomatoes are garden fresh.

1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened

½ cup ranch salad dressing

1 teaspoon granulated sugar

1 medium tomato, seeded and diced (about ¾ cup)

6 bacon slices, crisply cooked, drained, and chopped

½ cup finely chopped celery

2 tablespoons finely chopped onion

Lettuce leaves

Crackers

In a medium-size bowl combine the cream cheese, ranch dressing, and sugar. Mix well. Add the diced tomato, bacon, celery, and onion. Toss with a fork. Cover and refrigerate at least 3 hours (this will allow the flavors to blend). Line a small serving platter with the lettuce leaves. Fill with the dip. Serve with party crackers

YIELD: 2 CUPS

Cherie Powell

Newborn, Georgia