saltines in ranch dressing recipe?

[phlawless]

I was looking online for a good ranch dressing recipe, and came across a site that claimed to recreate the Hidden Valley flavor by using ground saltines. Anyone seen/heard/tried this?

[fifi]

This must be a convergence of the stars or something. I was just wondering about this the other day. It may have been the Kraft or Hidden Valley commercials about the added buttermilk and whatever. I got to wondering about the original recipe. I think I remember my mother making it with a package of seasoning and just buttermilk, I think. I can't see where saltines would come in unless they are well pulverised and used for thickening. The package of stuff looked like it was just herbs, salt and maybe cornstarch or something like it for thickening.

Does anyone know the origin of ranch dressing? Is there an "original recipe?"

[merrybaker]

I've seen that one, too, but I was afraid it would be a breeding ground for bacteria. If you like Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing from the envelope, try this one.

Buttermilk Ranch Dressing

2 cups mayonnaise

2 cups buttermilk

2 tablespoons dried parsley flakes

2 teaspoons dried onion flakes

1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder

1 teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Whisk ingredients together until smooth. Makes 1 quart. You may have to thin it down with a little water. Don't use milk to thin it down -- that changes the flavor.

I don't normally use dried garlic and parsley, but if you want it to taste like Hidden Valley, you have to use the same ingredients they do. Except for adding all the chemicals.

Usually I make only a fourth of the amount at a time so it'll be fresh.

-Mary

[fifi]

My friend Mr. Google found this from Cooks Illustrated.

[steverino]

Here's a case of perfect timing. This guy's known for recreating all kinds of recipes, from Girl Scout Cookies to Tony Roma's ribs.

He also includes a great little history of the dressing itself.

Link expires tomorrow, though, so move fast...

http://www.topsecretrecipes.com/recipes/hiddnval.htm

Steve

[fifi]

Thanks for the link, steverino. That is what I was looking for, especially the story. I think I remember my mother finding something similar in the newspaper when the packets first came out. I sure didn't remember any sour cream involved. That would have been an "exotic ingredient" back then. Contents have now been captured in my recipe folder.

[steverino]

No prob, fifi-

There are a lot of cool "back stories" all over that site.

Definitely not a "foodie" site, but it has its place!

Steve