Christina's Killer Dip

This is my sister's dip. She got the recipe while backpacking in Europe a few years ago. She is now forced to make it at every party she has. People smell it cooking and stand drooling by the oven until it comes out! (Many have not been able to wait for the cooling part and burned their mouths to get to it first). You might have to make 2 portions. **NOTE: Please CHECK the sodium content before you choose a ranch dressing mix, because it will affect the flavor! Some people have complained it is "too salty". Please also make sure you are using only a 1 ounce packet; there are other sizes from various manufacturers. Too much mix throws off the balance of flavors. My sister and I always use the Hidden Valley Ranch Original and we do not have any problems with it :) You can also substitute half the sour cream for prepared Ranch Dressing and skip the dry mix. It will come out a bit wetter.

• Ready In: 30 mins
• Serves: 6-8

Ingredients

• 1 (1 ounce) package  ranch dressing mix
• 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, at room temp
• 1 (8 ounce) container sour cream
• 1  cup  shredded cheddar cheese, split into 2 1/2 cup portions (I prefer to grate it myself)
• 1 (8 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach

Directions

1. Defrost the spinach.
2. Place it in a colander and press it until as much moisture as possible is removed.
3. Mix all ingredients (1/2 of the cheddar), and blend well.
4. Put it in a shallow baking dish (stoneware works best) in the oven for 20 minutes at 350°F.
5. Remove from oven.
6. While still hot top it with remaining cheese, heat in oven again for 5 minutes.
7. Remove and cool below lava stage and serve.
8. Goes well with tortilla chips.