BACON AND GARLIC DIP

7 slices bacon, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup half and half
4 ounces blue cheese, crumbled
2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
3 tablespoons chopped smoked almonds
FOR SERVING:
sliced apples, toasted pita crisps, French bread (optional)

Cook bacon in a large skillet over medium-high heat until almost crisp, about 7 minutes. Drain excess fat from skillet.

Add garlic and cook until bacon is crisp, about 3 minutes.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Beat cream cheese until smooth. Add half and half and mix until combined.

Stir in bacon mixture, blue cheese, and chives. Transfer to a 2-cup ovenproof serving dish and cover with foil.

Bake until thoroughly heated, about 30 minutes. Sprinkle with chopped almonds.

Serve with sliced apples, toasted pita crisps or French bread.

NOTE: May be prepared 1 day in advance. Refrigerate or freeze. Bring to room temperature before baking.