Ingredients:

  • 15 oz whole milk ricotta cheese
  • 8 oz reduced fat cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup whipped topping (Cool Whip)
  • 3/4 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp fresh orange zest
  • 1/4 tsp fine sea salt
  • 1/2 cup mini semi sweet chocolate chips

Instructions:

  1. Place the 15 oz whole milk ricotta cheese into a fine mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes until a tablespoon or more of liquid has drained. Note: This prevents a watery dip the next day.
  2. In a large bowl, beat the 8 oz softened cream cheese with the 3/4 cup powdered sugar until the mixture looks like smooth frosting. Add the 1 tsp vanilla extract, 1/2 tsp orange zest, and 1/4 tsp sea salt, mixing for another 30 seconds to distribute the aromatics.
  3. Gently add the drained ricotta to the cream cheese mixture and beat on low until just combined and no large lumps remain. Switch to a spatula and fold in the 1 cup whipped topping until no white streaks are visible. Note: Over mixing here will deflate the dip.
  4. Gently stir in the 1/2 cup mini semi sweet chocolate chips. Transfer the mixture to a serving bowl and refrigerate for 30 minutes until the texture feels firm and set.