Peanut Butter Dream Dip

Many of you may have caught wind of the peanut butter pie recipes that have been sweeping the food blogging world over the past week or so. Food bloggers across the board have been making and sharing recipes for their favorite renditions of peanut butter pie to honor the memory of a fellow food blogger's husband who passed unexpectedly. See In Jennie's Kitchen for the full, heartbreaking story, and also for a delicious-sounding recipe for peanut butter cream pie that her late husband listed as his favorite.  http://www.injennieskitchen.com/2011/08/for-mikey.html

This story is a good reminder that life is short. We should truly cherish each moment that we have with our loved ones and savor each day as if it could be our last. Let's not put off today what could be done tomorrow, especially when it comes to the things that bring us the most enjoyment. And when it comes to loved ones, as Jennie so beautifully wrote in her post, "hug them like there's no tomorrow because today is the only guarantee we can count on." Thank you, Jennie, for letting your loss help others remember just how precious life is and that we should not take anything for granted.

We had an incredibly busy weekend, and the time to make a pie unfortunately slipped away. But I came up with my own, quick version of peanut butter pie in dip form (basically deconstructed peanut butter pie if that helps you to visualize the connection) to help do my part to contribute to such a wonderful cause and remind my loved ones of how dear they are to me. Life is too short for it not to be sweet... 

Silky, smooth, peanut- buttery perfection! 

Peanut Butter Dream Dip

- 1 8-oz block of cream cheese, softened completely to room temperature
- 1 14-oz can sweetened condensed milk
- 1 cup creamy peanut butter
- 2 tbsp. honey
- 1/2 - 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- Nilla Wafers, Oreos, graham crackers, or anything of the like (think pie crust) for dipping

1. In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, creamy peanut butter, and honey, mixing until smooth and silky with no chunks. Stir in chocolate chips. Refrigerate.
2. Serve as a dip with your favorite cookie, cracker, or fruit/vegetable and enjoy! (Or, if you're like me and my family, you can grab a spoon and dig right in - it's DELICIOUS!)

Does your family have any special recipes that are their favorites? What are they and how often do you make them for your loved ones? I would love to hear about it!