Sun Dried Tomato Ranch

A DEA officer stopped at a ranch in Texas, and spoke with the rancher that lived there.  He told the rancher, "I need to inspect your ranch for illegally grown drugs."  The rancher said, "Okay, but don't go into that field over there."  The DEA officer verbally exploded and said, "Mister, I have the authority of the Federal Government with me!"  He reached into his rear pocket and pulled out his badge and proudly displayed it to the rancher.  "See this badge?!  This badge means I am allowed to go where ever I wish, on any land, no questions asked, do you understand?!?!  The old rancher nodded politely , apologized and went back to his chores.

A short time later, the rancher heard loud screams, looked up and saw the DEA officer running for his life.  He was being chased by the rancher's bull.  With every step the bull was gaining on the officer, and it seemed likely that the officer would sure enough get gored by the bulls horns before he reached safety.  The officer was clearly terrified.  The old rancher threw down his tools, ran to the fence and yelled at the top of his lungs...."Your badge!  Show him your BADGE!"

I'll admit, ranch is not the 'go to' dressing in our house.  We are more of a vinaigrette friendly family, but after making this dressing the other day I think that might change.

I happen to be up in North Georgia a couple of weeks ago and stopped by a Longhorn to meet a friend for drinks at the bar (I know, not the most ideal spot...but there was slim pickins).  I was starving (per usual) and decided to try one of their salads (Ranch House Chicken Cobb).  The salad was served with what they call "Smokey Tomato Ranch".  The dressing was surprising tasty, so I decided to try and make my own version at home.

Here's what you need:
1/2 cup mayonnaise
3/4 cup of sour cream
1/2 cup of sun dried tomatoes, chopped
2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon of fresh squeezed lemon juice
1 1/2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons of chopped parsley
2 tablespoons of chopped chives
1 teaspoon of minced garlic
1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard
salt and pepper to taste



Add 1/2 cup mayo and 3/4 cup of sour cream to a medium sized bowl.

Take out 1/2 cup of sun dried tomatoes.

Chop those babies down.

Add to bowl, oil and juice and all.

Add 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar, 1 tablespoon of fresh squeezed lemon juice, 1 1/2 tablespoons of Worcestershire sauce, 2 tablespoons of chopped parsley, 2 tablespoons of chopped chives, 1 teaspoon of minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard, and salt and pepper to taste

Mix it up.

Top a cobb salad, chop salad, or whatever salad, or spread it on a sandwich....mmm sandwiches....