BLT Dip

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 I was trying to think up a new twist on a classic BLT the other day and my mind started to wander to the Super Bowl and what dip to make. Every party needs at least one dip. In my own personal opinion that is.
I couldn't help but wonder about doing a BLT dip. Something a little different than the typical dip, but still warm and creamy. I think next time I will toast the baguette and probably double the actual dip, but other than that this was a total score. We loved it. It is not healthy in any way, but if you want to you can at least pretend it is with all of that chopped lettuce on top. We used Red Leaf, but if you must do iceburg.
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Parmesan Fries and $250 to you!

If I must tell the truth, and I must, we are obsessed with these Parmesan French Fries.

*wait, pause, hold on. Do you have twitter? Do you want to win $250? Yes? 
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 This picture does not do these babies justice. We've had this version three times and every single time I plan on taking a photo and instead end up chowing down. This time they didn't turn out perfect because the hubby cut them a little weird, but they were still delicious.

There is something about a good, hot, delicious french fry. I hate crappy fries. Especially when they are cold. Here in Utah I like JCW's fries or Iceburg and I love JCW's "special sauce". LOVE IT. But our ultimate favorite fries come from Communal. It's like Heaven on Earth. Literally. These fries are a little like those.

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DP Chili

MMMMM Chili... In fact, Dr Pepper and Hershey's Chocolate Chili!! Every day my husband calls me from work, (sometimes a few times) just to say hello, I love you, how's your day going, etc. One day he called and I insisted that he decide on dinner. I love to cook, but sometimes I would rather scrub a toilet than figure out what to make for dinner. It just gets old thinking about what will taste good. Anyway, I asked what he wanted for dinner, and he replied, "eh, whatever you feel like." I quickly responded with, "NO! Sorry Love, not happening. YOU pick. I'll make anything, but don't make me decide!!"
He said Chili. I got right on it.

This is hands down, the best chili I've made to date. It has a yummy little kick and those special ingredients,
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White Balsamic and Basil Chicken Pasta

Sometimes I just want something quick, easy, and light. I love to cook meals that take a little more work, thought, preparation and time, but I also am a mom, wife, blogger, friend, etc and I just feel worn out. I need a meal that can come together with little thought, but still be fantastic. This is definitely one of those meals. I realize that you do need to make a little trip to Costco, but if you don't have a membership just run to your local grocery store and find a similar dressing. Really you could do a Sun-dried tomato, or Italian. There's just something especially delicious about the Culinary Treasures, White Balsamic Citrus Basil Dressing.

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Cookies N Creme Chocolate Chip Cookies

I actually have two more cookies n creme recipes that I want to try making, but I am feeling a little burned out this week. I have two puking kiddos and no energy left to finish baking. Plus, the hubby is not one to chow on fattening foods all week which means we've been throwing baked goods at people just to get them out of our house. Sooooo, here is the last cookies n creme recipe, until maybe next week. ;)
Just kidding, I think I'll go a little longer than that.
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Did You Know That Wednesday- How to Save $$ on beautiful furniture

 

 Hello friends at Sweet Basil! I'm so excited to write a guest post for you. I'm a big fan of Sweet Basil and especially of Carrian! 

I'm pretty new to the blogging world. 6 months ago we moved to Portland, Oregon and I decided to start selling the furniture I paint at www.paintinginportland.blogspot.com. I started out painting furniture for my house, and now sell it online also. ;) I thought I'd share a few of my painting tips with you today!

 When I look for furniture, I try to find pieces that are sturdy and not in need of too many repairs. I also make sure the drawers slide in and out easily. I love french provincial furniture, so when I found this dresser, I knew exactly what I wanted to do with it. I'm super embarrassed by these pictures taken in my garage, I had 5 dressers in there at the time and I was trying to paint them and move them out to clean my garage AGAIN. ;)

 First, I always sand the furniture before priming. I primed this piece in grey. Important part to remember, sanding helps the primer stick to the furniture, primer helps the paint stick. Some people don't prime or sand, you can buy special products so you don't have to. I've found that painted furniture lasts longer when it's sanded and primed.

 Then I painted it black. This is the first layer of paint. Normally I only do one layer, but for the chippy look I was trying to achieve, I needed a bottom layer to show through.

 Then I rubbed some vaseline in random spots and painted the bottom half red. The vaseline will keep the paint from sticking in those spots.

 

Once the paint was dry, I wiped off the vaseline. The spots where I rubbed on the vaseline were raised a little, so it was easy to tell where they were.

 

 Next, I wiped black glaze on the whole dresser, let it sit for a minute and then wiped it off with a damp cloth. This part is optional, it just gives it the old/worn look.

 I painted the hardware in black, and once the glaze was dry, I brushed on a coat of polyurethane.

 I love the chippy look the vaseline creates. I also love the way the black glaze makes the hardware stand out.

 I love two-toned dressers! I'm happy I chose to leave the top black.

The final product, a stand out, custom piece of furniture for your home! I hope you were able to learn something new and I'd love to have you over at my blog!! If you have any painting questions, post a comment on my blog and I'll get back to you. Come see all my projects! Thanks again!!!

www.paintinginportland.blogspot.com

Cookies N Creme Brownies

Winner!! The Winner of the Swiss Diamond pan is Julie, @hbgarden! Congratulations! I've emailed you.

 These Cookies n Creme brownies using Hershey's Cookies N Creme Candy bars were a reeeeaaallly huge hit at our house. I even went and picked up a huge supply of cookies n creme candy bars to keep with the chocolate chips. In other words, these are a new staple in our home. They will forever be a favorite.