Cucumber Spread

2 med. cucumbers
2 pkg. (8 oz. each) cream cheese, softened
1 pkg dry ranch dressing mix
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/2 cup finely chopped pecans (optional)
hot sauce (to taste)

Peel cucumbers, cut in half lengthwise and scoop out seeds. Chop very finely or run through a food processor. Combine cream cheese, hot sauce, dressing mix and garlic powder and beat until creamy. Mix in cucumbers.

Serve as a spread for party breads or serve as a dip for firm chips. This also works good with toasted pita wedges and crackers. Flavor it up even more by adding a 6 1/2 oz. can of very well drained crabmeat.