Welcome to The Ultimate Blog Party 2009!!

Hi, I am so glad that you found my party page.  Last year I dabbled lightly in the blog party.  It was so much fun that I am back to party like a rock star this year!!  Before we begin, for a real party vibe hit the video below for some music while we party!

My name is Laurie and I am a WAHM with four amazing kids.  I have a great husband who supports me in all my craziness.  I am the owner of the online maternity and baby boutique, Madre Gear.  You can usually find me browsing the web, stopping by Twitter or Facebook, playing with my kids or losing my mind!  I truly have fun with what I do all day long and I have met some amazing moms along the way.  I hope you’ll have fun partying with me this week.  So, come on in, grab a drink, relax or get into party mode – whatever strikes your fancy AND let’s get this party started!!

What is a party without party food??!!  First things first – let’s get something to munch on…

Here are two recipes to start the party.  They are from two awesome women in my family.

First up in my cousin Kim’s Touch Down Taco Dip.  This one is so yummy and Kim has even substituted low fat ingredients and it is still amazing.  Here is her recipe.

Description:
A zesty bean dip, good for any occasion!!

Ingredients:
1 can refried beans
1 16 oz cream cheese (softened)
1 cup sour cream
1 pk shredded cheddar cheese
1 large tomato (diced)
1 small purple onion (diced)
1 can olives (diced)
3-5 cloves garlic (minced)
2 tbs taco seasoning

Directions:
Pre heat oven 375
Use deep pie plate or deep dish baking pan
spread beans over bottom of pan and sides of pan
mix sour cream, cream cheese, and seasoning
Spread mixture over beans
Spread shredded cheese over top
Bake for 15 min, or until cheese melts
Put tomatoes, onions, olives, and garlic over top
Serve and enjoy

Number Of Servings: Many

Preparation Time: 15 min

I wish I had a picture of this bad boy for you, but I did not want to steal anyone else’s picture.  If you do a Google search for this you can see pictures!

Next up, we have my husband’s Aunty Lynn’s Hot Potato Chip Dip.  This one is a crowd pleaser.  I am glad I married into this family for this recipe alone!

Description:
hot cheese dip

Ingredients:
can of whole tomatoes
can of Ortega Chili peppers
cheddar cheese
velveeta cheese

Directions:
Mix all ingredients together:

Drain and cut up:
1- 16 oz. can of whole tomatoes
1 can ortega chili peppers

Shred:
1/2 lb. cheddar cheese
1/2 ob. velveeta cheese

Bake in 350 degree oven for 25-30 minutes
OR
cook in microwave for 9 – 9 1/2 minutes.

(can be frozen)

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Now let’s get something to drink!

Pink Grapefruit “Margaritas”

I have not tried this drink recipe but it looks delicious.  If I had some grenadine or pomegranate syrup at my house I would be making this right now!

Ingredients

Serves 6

2 tablespoons colored sanding sugar
1 lime
6 teaspoons pomegranate syrup or grenadine
1 1/2 cups pink grapefruit juice

Directions

1. Place sanding sugar in a shallow dish or plate. Slice six thin rounds from the middle of lime; set aside. Rub lime wedge around rims of six glasses; dip each rim in sugar to coat. Pour 1 teaspoon pomegranate syrup into bottom of each glass.
2. Place grapefruit juice and 2 cups ice cubes in a blender. Process on high speed until ice is crushed. Pour frozen mixture into glasses, and stir to combine with syrup. Garnish with reserved lime rounds, and serve immediately.

This is a good one you can share with the kids!

This recipe and photo is from Martha Stewart.

Stop back again soon as we are going to be partying all week!!