Blue Cheese-Bacon Dip

8 bacon slices
2 garlic cloves, pressed or finely minced
16 oz. cream cheese, softened
1/4 C. half and half
4 oz. crumbled blue cheese
2 Tbsp. chopped fresh chives
1/2 C. chopped walnuts, toasted

Cook bacon until crisp and drain. Reserve 1 Tbsp. of bacon drippings in skillet. Crumble bacon and set aside.
Add garlic to skillet and saute 30 seconds.
Beat cream cheese at medium speed using an electric mixer until smooth. Add half and half, beating until combined. Stir in half of the chopped bacon, garlic, blue cheese, and chives. Spoon mixture evenly into a lightly greased 1 quart dish. Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 15 min. or until golden and bubbly. Sprinkle remaining bacon and walnuts over hot dip. Serve with crackers or toasted baguette slices.