Sour Cream Powder--Spinach Artichoke Dip and Brown Sugar Sour Cream Fruit Dip

Sour Cream Powder is a tricky product.  I have been using it a lot the last couple of weeks and thought I would share what I have found.

I think the sour cream powder tastes better after it has been refrigerated; I also like to add a little lemon juice to mine.  I always stick mine in the fridge until it is time to serve it, even if that is only a few minutes.  The sour cream powder really thickens up when it is refrigerated. 

I have taken both of these recipes to parties and they have been a huge hit.  

Spinach Artichoke Dip

8 oz cream cheese, softened
1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
2/3 cup sour cream powder (add to ¼ cup hot water mix well, don’t worry if it is a little lumpy, after you bake it the lumps will be gone.)

1 cup FD Spinach (rehydrate in 1 cup hot water and drain)
1 cup coarsely chopped artichoke hearts, drained
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1/4 teaspoons

Directions:
Preheat your oven to 400°. 

In a medium bowl -combine sour cream and hot water mix well,
Add the cream cheese.  Beat till smooth, either by hand or on low speed with a hand mixer. 

Add in the salt.

Fold in the drained spinach, garlic, artichokes, and Parmesan cheese.

Spread into a small baking dish or hollow our a loaf of artisan bread and fill the cavity with the dip.

Bake for 35 - 40 minutes or until the top is slightly browned.  Avoid over baking to prevent it from separating.

Sprinkle additional grated Parmesan cheese over the top if desired, during the last 5 minutes of baking.

Serve warm with baguette slices, pita chips, crackers, etc...

Sour Cream and Brown Sugar Fruit Dip

1 cup THRIVE sour cream powder
½ cup hot water
2 tablespoons THRIVE brown sugar, plus a little extra for garnish
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 tablespoon lemon juice

Mix sour cream, brown sugar, lemon juice,  and vanilla extract together. Let stand in refrigerator for flavors to combine (at least an hour or two or even better overnight). Garnish with a sprinkling of brown sugar.  Serve with fresh fruit such as apples or strawberries. 

Do you ever wonder what other consultants make?

        I always want to know. Here are the averages for November by rank.
 

      Platinum $ 13,236.00 (that means $159,000 per year)
Gold $5,174.00
Silver $ 2,341.00
Executive $1,116.00
Director $ 821.00
Mentor $ 365.00
Consultant $54.00
*These averages only include consultants that received a commission check.

I find those numbers to be very motivating. What do you think?

I know that if you are a new consultant it seems like a huge feet to be making $5,174 a month.  But it is definitely possible.  Last November (2010)  I was the rank of consultant and made  $325.44.  It was one of my best months ever.  I was SUPER EXCITED.  One year later, November 2012,  I made  $3,622.47.   

I did work really hard this past year BUT I am not a super star sales person.  I don’t do 3 parties a week.  I am not working my business full time.  I am just a normal stay at home mom.   

So what did I do over the past year?  I talked to a lot of people.  I tried a bunch of new ideas; some of it super successful and some of it not so much.  I found a way to work my business that works for me.  I challenge you to do the same this year.  

 You can be successful, will you? 

Party Recipe: Instant Mashed Potato Pancakes

Potato Beads are one of my husband’s favorite products.  Who doesn’t love mashed potatoes? 

If you haven’t tried them they are small pellets that are about the size of a skittle.   They are easy quick to make into mashed potatoes and they are a customer favorite.  They are similar to the Potato Pearls that the LDS cannery used to sell.

When I add a food to my food storage I like to have multiple ways to use it.  I usually use potato beads to make mashed potatoes but recently my family has loved to eat them as potato pancakes. 

Instant Mashed Potato Pancakes

Makes 6 pancakes

1 cup HOT water  (I use hot tap water)
1 egg, beaten
1 cup Potato Beads
1 Tablespoon dry chives (or try freeze dried onions)
1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Combine hot water and potato beads.  Let sit 2-3 minutes until all the water is absorbed.  Stir in beaten egg, and chives. 

Heat oil in a non-stick griddle over medium heat or 250 degrees.

 

While the oil is heating in the griddle use your hands to shape a large spoonful into a patty. Place on hot griddle.  Repeat until all the pancakes are on the griddle.  Cook over medium heat for 10 minutes.  Do NOT move or flip while they are cooking (I have to set a timer so I know when it has been 10 minutes).  This helps the golden crust develop.  Flip pancakes over and press down.  Cook another 7-10 minutes until both sides are golden brown.  Serve with sour cream. 

Recomendations to prepare for the next big storm

Have you been watching the news and videos from the big storm in the North East this past week?  I have and it makes me think that I could be a little more prepared for extreme weather.   As you give parties over the next couple of weeks I am sure many of the guests will be thinking the same thing. 

What products would you recommend for someone who wants to be ready for the next big storm? 

Here are a few of my favorites:

Black Out Buddy—plugs into the wall and automatically turns on when the power goes out. 

Heat Cell ($3.95)—burns for 9 hours, unlimited shelf life, spill proof, odorless, nontoxic, safe for indoor or outdoor use. 

326 piece OSHA First Aid Kit—this kit is ultra-deluxe.  It is easily transportable and it has everything.

How do you like the new look?

This blog has recently undergone a makeover.  If you’re reading this in Google reader take a second and click over.

 

How do you like the new look? 

I love it. 

I think it will be a little easier to find everything.

I had some help in the redesign.  Krystal from Sassy Sanctuary did the design work for me and she did a great job.  She was great to work, even when I changed my mind a 100 times.  She has very reasonable rate. AND she designs for Blogger, which is surprisingly hard to find. 

If you ever need blog design help check her out.