my weekend of fun, food, and football

Saturday was my birthday. The big twenty-ten. My family had a little party for me Saturday night, and I received my presents. My mother gave me a small sewing box that belonged to my great, great grandmother. My mother thought it might be a nice addition to my apron-making endeavor. I was thrilled.

Next I began opening several small packages from my sister, Jess, and her husband, Brandon. The first was baking soda. Then baking powder. I began to guess before opening the next several items: chocolate chips, walnuts, flour, sugar. I looked up and said, "Jess, do you want me to make you some cookies?"

Then came a huge Bed, Bath, and Beyond box. I opened it and looked in to find a hand held Kitchen Aid mixer. I've been asking for a hands free Kitchen Aid mixer for years. I never really expected to get one, but I figured what's the harm in letting everyone know I wanted one. I thought well maybe they could all put their money together and just get me a mixer. It never worked.

So here I am looking at the much smaller not-what-I-wanted mixer and trying to act excited because I know those are still pricey. I smile and thank them. Then Brandon says, "Just kidding! Here ya go!" A massive box appears before me, making the big box before look tiny. I began ripping at the paper (this is so unlike me... I am a gentle un-wrapper).

"No way! NO YOU DIDN'T!?! For real???" AAAAAHHHHH!!!

I am now the proud, proud owner of a brand new Kitchen Aid mixer. I have named him Big Blue. He makes me very happy. I walked away from my little party and straight to the kitchen where I began baking ha.

Then Sunday afternoon, the worship team I sing with at church had a Christmas get-together. We all gathered to watch the Patriots-Broncos game. I was on the Broncos side and feared being thrown out of the party of Patriots fans so I brought a peace offering of the cookies I had made the night before and a party favorite...buffalo chicken dip.

So many people love this dip. It's perfect for a football game or, in my opinion, just about any get together. I promised I would post the recipe. Here's the thing though, there are several recipes and I kind of make my own up. I tend to do that a lot. I think it's my creative personality rebelling against any constrictions recipes provide. 

I will post a couple options. The one I tend to always make consists of ranch, because my family prefers ranch. However, there is one made with blue cheese as well if you prefer. Another difference in these recipes is the chicken. Most use a can of chicken. I like to make my own chicken with the hot sauce, and then shred it. Much more flavor, but also means more work :) The choice is up to you. 

Look through these recipe options: 

Ranch option

Blue cheese option

This is a simple recipe. Have fun with it. Create your own if you want. Serve it with tortilla chips, crackers or celery sticks. Enjoy!

I think Big Blue and I are going to go make some fun stuff today. I hear Pinterest calling my name. Maybe you'll get some more recipes tomorrow...