Q:  I frequent the Melting Pot at least once a week and would like to be able to create the same types of foods at home. I am looking for the recipe they use for their Green Goddess dipping sauce. I have a general idea, but they are not giving out secrets. Please help. The recipe is amazing, and I would like to duplicate it when I entertain at home.

-- Sandy Austin, Alpharetta

A: After a little minor arm twisting, the owners of the Melting Pot were happy to provide the recipe. Cream cheese, instead of mayonnaise, is the secret ingredient in this dip, which is a perfect complement for cut vegetables. The Melting Pot uses a special mix of dehydrated parsley and chives, but fresh herbs are easily substituted.

-- Jeanne Besser, for the Journal-Constitution

CONDIMENT

Green Goddess Dip

Jean Shifrin/AJC

Makes 12 servings

Preparation time: 10 minutes, plus

1 to 2 hours to cool

Cooking time: 2-4 minutes

8 ounces cream cheese, cut into slices

1/2 cup milk

1/4 cup sour cream

2 tablespoons finely chopped onion

2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley

2 tablespoons finely sliced chives

In a microwave-safe container, microwave cream cheese and milk for 2 to 4 minutes, whisking after each minute, until cream cheese melts and mixture is smooth. Stir in sour cream, onion, parsley and chives. Refrigerate until cold.

Per serving: 84 calories (percent of calories from fat, 86), 2 grams protein, 1 gram carbohydrates, no fiber, 8 grams fat, 23 milligrams cholesterol, 64 milligrams sodium.

Is there a restaurant recipe you'd like to make at home? Tell us what you're looking for and perhaps we can help you get it. If we succeed, we'll have the recipe tested and adapted for the home kitchen, if necessary. Because of volume, we can't answer all inquiries. Send your request, along with address and phone number, to: Mail: Betty Parham, Food Department, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, 72 Marietta St. N.W., Atlanta, GA 30303. E-mail: menu@ajc.com. Fax: 404-526-5509.