Celtics 113, Timberwolves 97: A Recipe Game

Kevin Garnett got a nice tribute from the Boston fans, but the Minnesota Timberwolves were not such honored guests as they utterly failed to defend the Celtics from beyond the arc and were soundly beaten, 113-97. The only stat from the game that is much worth knowing is the three-point shooting battle. The Celtics were 12-25; the Wolves were 2-13. Add this to the long, long list of defeats in which the Wolves have trailed their opponents significantly in that category.

Karl-Anthony Towns had another stellar night in defeat with 25 points, 16 rebounds and three blocks against a Boston frontcourt missing many of its key players. He continues to impress, but cannot carry a team singlehandedly to victory against a talented Boston team with a smart gameplan from coach Brad Stevens, which exploited one of the Wolves' many weaknesses.

Anyway, you're here for a recipe. Credit on this one goes to my mom, who made this every year on New Year's Day for several years as I was growing up. It remains one of my favorite recipes both to make and eat unnecessarily large amounts of at all times of the year. It is simple and excellent. Enjoy.

The amounts below make enough to fit in a small square container (I use 1 quart Corning Ware casserole); doubled this fits in a 13 x 9 rectangular cake pan, and you'll likely want to double it for a party.

Buffalo Chicken Dip

1 cup cooked chicken, cut in small cubes
8 oz. cream cheese*
1/4 cup Frank's Red Hot Sauce
1/2 cup ranch dressing
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

In medium bowl use electric mixer to beat cream cheese until smooth. Mix in sauce and dressing. By hand stir in chicken and cheese. Spread in 8-9 inch square baking dish.

Bake at 350 degrees (325 degrees if glass baking dish) and serve.

*(if you use the Neufchatel cream cheese that has less fat you can use the
cream cheese right from the fridge; if you get the full-fat cream cheese, it
needs to sit out and soften up (so it's easier to mix with other
ingredients.)