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Tyson, Football, and Mardi Gras…Typical Weekend on the Island

We’re back on the island! Of course you are highly aware of that if you follow along here at all. I love this island and every day is pretty much a reason to celebrate. But this past weekend, we had even more to celebrate than usual. We’re in our new home, Mardi Gras kicked off, the babies and I got to meet a football legend, the biggest football game of the year was on, and B was actually home on Sunday to spend some time with the family. I wanted to make it all special, but simple as always.

On Saturday, the babies and I headed to Sam’s Club to pick up some party supplies. We traveled just a bit farther than normal towards Houston because I found out that the folks at Tyson were hosting a meet and greet with Houston Oiler’s legend, Ray Childress, and I wanted Bubby to meet him. When we arrived at the store, it was pretty easy to find the demo for more reasons than one: 1) Bug immediately smelled the chicken, 2) I spotted the crowd, and 3) Ray Childress is quite honestly taller than most people when he’s sitting down.

He’s a very impressive man, and I suppose we should have felt intimidated. He was a 5-time All Pro Lineman with a football career spanning 12 years, his work in philanthropy and dedication to children is admirable, and he’s a very successful business man. So yes, we could have been intimidated by his size and by his success. But how could we be? This man was so incredibly nice and he took the time to autograph his photo for anyone and everyone who asked. And all the while, he smiled and chatted with his fans as if he’d known them for years.

Oh and he was tall. Did I mention he was tall? After hob knobbing with this football great, we moved right along to what Bug had been looking forward to since we walked in…the food!

Just beyond the meet and greet was a demo, hosted by Tina and Judy, serving up yummy Tyson Crispy Chicken Strips paired with KC Masterpiece BBQ Sauce, and Coke Zero. These women were so efficient, friendly, and funny. We hung out here for quite some time while I ran my mouth and the babies pretty much ate lunch. I’m serious, this was an all you can eat demo, at least it was for the babies. We finally left these women alone to do their jobs and we moved on about the club to pick up our party supplies.

I was inspired by the demo, so of course I picked up the Tyson Crispy Chicken Strips, KC Masterpiece BBQ Sauce, Diet Coke, and a few other items for our own festivities. Time to head home and get this party started!

Because it was the big game day and Mardi Gras, I decided to combine the two to make it fun and festive. I kept it as easy as possible with simple foods and simple decorations. I enjoy my family time way too much to be tied up in the kitchen all day!

We already had the decorations at home. Believe me, you cannot live on this island and not celebrate Mardi Gras. We have one of the largest Mardi Gras Celebrations in the United States. There are beads and coins in every store and they are thrown out in bunches at all of the parades. I just tossed those around a bit and started preparing the food.

Tyson Crispy Chicken Strips with KC Masterpiece BBQ Sauce and Ketchup for dipping.

We had chicken and bacon Bruschetta that I picked up at Sam’s Club.

Ike’s Famous Guac, as well as cheese dip and bean dip, with chips for all day snacking.

And you absolutely can’t have a Mardi Gras Party without King Cake!

That was it! The whole spread only took me about an hour which included prep, cooking, and set up. The secret to any quick meal lies in the meat preparation. I love the Tyson line because they offer so many precooked items that all you have to do is heat and serve and it only takes minutes. Oh and it should be noted that I didn’t bake the cake, I don’t bake, so I bought it.

B fixed his plate and sat down to enjoy the big game.

The babies sat down to enjoy their chicken and Coke. Yes my babies are sitting on the kitchen floor at coolers eating their meals. Shush, we just moved and we got rid of our old table. The new one is on order and should be here this week. We have to improvise until then. Just let them enjoy their chicken!

It was a fun-filled weekend and we are looking forward to many more of these in our new home. We’ll be entertaining more again and I’ll be including Tyson products at all of my parties.

Be sure to check out Tyson to see all of the awesome products that they offer. They seriously could save you a lot of time in your party planning and every day meals. You’ll want to like them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter for great recipe ideas, to enter fun contests, and to find out if they are hosting any events in your own area.

Disclosure: I am a member of the Collective Bias® Social Fabric® Community. This content has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias® and Tyson. All opinions, ideas, and photos are entirely my own. #cbias #SocialFabric #MealsTogether

Mardi Gras, Tyson Crispy Strips, Football, and Moving…It’s All About Priorities!

By Christy 3 Comments

Mardi Gras, Tyson Crispy Strips, Football, and moving. What in the world could any of these things have in common? If you lived in my house, you’d get it. We’ve recently moved and it’s been crazy hectic to say the least. When I say moved, I mean we’re still moving. I’d like to say this has been an organized moved, but I can’t. I’d like to complain about the moving process, but I can’t.

You see, B has been working basically 7 days a week, 10 hours a day so this has been rough. He’s still working in The Woodlands while we’re living on the island, so he picks up loads here and there and is gradually bringing all of our stuff home to us. And his priorities crack.me.up. We don’t even have all of the essentials. I don’t have all of my lovely family photos. But you better believe we have the Dallas Cowboys official helmet and some shot glasses here. It’s all about priorities! I think he actually grabbed these in the initial round when we rented a trailer but don’t quote me on that.

Anyway, back to the topic at hand. Let me tie in all of the above. We’re in Galveston so Mardi Gras is inevitable this weekend. There will be parades, and parties that we won’t attend because of the babies, and there are beads and masks everywhere, even in our house, because although the kitchen isn’t completely together yet, I had to decorate for Mardi Gras. Priorities! And there’s this huge football game this weekend that I’m sure you are all looking forward to where the 49’ers and the Ravens will fight it out (or whatever it is you do in football) for the pennant or something. We’re still in the midst of moving, but I need party foods for the big game. So how was I going to pull all of this off in the middle of a move? It’s simple really because things usually fall in to place for me and for that I am thankful.

My husband is raising a football fan…a Cowboys fan he hopes, but he’ll settle for the Texans. Neither one of these teams is playing this weekend so I had to figure out how to make it fun. The babies and I will attend parades on Saturday morning while B is at work but how do I get them all riled up for the big game on Sunday when neither one of “their” teams are playing? This is where karma played its role.

My friends at Tyson asked if I wanted to visit one of 10 local Sam’s Clubs in Texas hosting a demo for their Crispy Chicken Strips, KC Materpiece BBQ Sauce, and Coke. I’m in…but wait…there’s more! At the events, there will be NFL stars, signing autographs and posing for photos with the general public. Oh my stars…my weekend is complete. My family will personally be hob-knobbing with Ray Childress who was a Gridiron standout and Texas A&M All-American. He was known as ‘a one man wrecking crew’. Ray (because after Sunday, we’ll be on a first name basis) was a first round pick by the Houston Oilers in the 1985 NFL draft. This five-time All-Pro lineman dominated at both defensive end and defensive tackle. If I understood football, I’m sure I’d be impressed. But I do understand philanthropy and this man, along with his wife and 4 children have made a difference in the life of so many, I can’t help but be excited to meet him. The boys can talk football, I just want to know how I can help with his local efforts!

So with all of this said, my weekend is full and I couldn’t be happier. B is actually off this Sunday…YAY…so he’ll get to watch the game! I’ll be unpacking all weekend, I’ll be attending a parade with my babies, and then on Saturday afternoon, we’ll head off of the island to meet a football great, pick up some awesome food and drinks that I will bring home and prepare so we can all sit around our new pad together enjoying super snacks, family time, and what will hopefully be a great game! Does life get any better than that?

Well it does for you if you are in the Houston, Austin, or Dallas areas yourself! You too can rub elbows with a football great. Check the schedule below to see if there is a meet and greet in your own area and go check it out:

Ray Childress:

Friday, 02/01/13, between 1:00 and 4:00 pm at Sam’s Club 4721, 7950 FM 1960 W, Houston, TX.
Saturday, 02/02/13, between 1:00 and 4:00 pm at Sam’s Club 4702, 155 W El Dorado Blvd, Friendswood, TX (you can meet me there too).

Aaron Glenn:

Friday, 02/01/13, between 1:00 and 4:00 pm at Sam’s Club 4764, 20424 Katy Fwy, Katy, TX.
Saturday, 02/02/13, between 1:00 and 4:00 pm at Sam’s Club 4763, 351 Hwy # 6, Sugarland, TX.

Lester Jean:

Saturday, 02/02/13, between 1:00 and 4:00 pm at Sam’s Club 4713, 19091 Interstate 45 S, Shenandoah, TX .

Jordan Shipley:

Saturday, 02/02/13, between 1:00 and 4:00 pm at Sam’s Club 4720, 4970 W Hwy 290, Austin, TX.

Rocket Ismail:

Friday, 02/01/13, between 1:00 and 4:00 pm at Sam’s Club 4743, 1200 E Spring Creek Pkwy, Plano, TX.
Saturday, 02/02/13, between 1:00 and 4:00 pm at Sam’s Club 4743, 1200 E Spring Creek Pkwy, Plano, TX.

Bucky Richardson:

Saturday, 02/02/13, between 1:00 and 4:00 pm at Sam’s Club 4769, 5310 S Rice Ave, Houston (West Park), TX.

Everson Wells:

Saturday, 02/02/13, between 1:00 and 4:00 pm at Sam’s Club 4783, 5150 N Garland Ave, Garland, TX.

Tony Casillas:

Saturday, 02/02/13, between 1:00 and 4:00 pm at Sam’s Club 8299, 301 Coit Rd, Plano, TX.

If you want to find out any information about any of the players listed, be sure to check out their full bios.

Are you as excited about this weekend as I am? It’s going to be a great one for sure. I’ll be back to share my experience with you here from the event as well as to share our family time enjoying parades and yummy foods at our big game celebration. I hope you get to attend one of these events, but if not, be sure to let me know how your weekend went and share any of your fabulous game day recipes with me here.

Be sure to check out the sponsor of this event, and my weekend, Tyson. And while you’re at it, don’t forget to like them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter.

Disclosure: I am a member of the Collective Bias® Social Fabric® Community. This content has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias® and Tyson. All opinions, ideas, excitement, and photos are entirely my own! #cbias #SocialFabric #MealsTogether

25-Minute, 5-Ingredient Pizza Dip Recipe

By Christy Leave a Comment

You haven’t lived until you’ve tried this 5-Ingredient Pizza Dip recipe. Be forewarned, this 25-minute appetizer is highly addictive so get ready to make a batch or two for your next gathering. It’s the perfect football party food!

This simple Pizza Dip recipe is a family favorite of ours. No, it’s not low sodium (at all) like most of my recipes. This easy 5-ingredient dip is the reason cheat days were invented – for us anyway. It’s our go-to addiction for just about anything. Football Sunday? Friends coming over? Having a bbq and the food won’t be ready for a while? Rainy, depressing Saturday and we’re stuck indoors? All of these scenarios always lead to the same answer…PIZZA DIP! Luckily this simple recipe only requires five ingredients plus some spices that I typically have on hand. It pairs with just about any hearty chip too, so that’s never a big deal. It’s ooey, gooey, and oh-so-good.

This pizza dip is all about the layers!

In case you don’t know, cheese is my favorite food group, and pizza is my all-time favorite food. That makes this simple appetizer the best thing since sliced bread (don’t get me started on bread and carbs…also favorites!). The beauty of this dip is not only how delicious it tastes, but how easy it is to make. No fuss here. Just start layering, put it in the oven, let the magic melting happen, and enjoy!

Layer 1: Cream Cheese

I use Philadelphia Spicy Jalapeño Cream Cheese Spread because we like things with a kick. If you’re not a fan of spicy, you can use plain or another flavor variety. Just layer it in the bottom of a baking dish.

Layer 2: The Marinara

Use whatever marinara you’d like for this. For pasta dishes, I always make my totally-from-scratch marinara and I use that if there’s any in the fridge or freezer. Usually, though, for this quick indulgence, I go with a jarred variety and always keep Prego Lower Sodium Sauce on hand.

Layer 3: My favorite food group!

Top the sauce with some cheese. I use a mix of mozzarella, colby jack, and parmesan, then I sprinkle a little Mrs. Dash Garlic & Herb seasoning over the layer for added flavor. You can never have enough garlic!

Layer 4: More sauce!

Pizza isn’t pizza unless it’s saucy and this dip is no exception. That second layer of sauce is a must!

Layer 5: More cheese please!

As with all good pizza (dips), they need to be topped with cheese, glorious cheese. This final layer is the one that gets all crispy and bubbly which is always the best part! Then you just put the dish in a 350ºF preheated oven, set the timer to 20 minutes, then once the timer goes off, leave it in the oven for another five minutes because that’s when the browning happens.

Who’s hungry?

All that’s left to do is grab some bagel or pita chips or crackers and hope you can wait long enough for it to cool down before digging in. That last part is pretty important because this golden concoction comes out hot and bubbly. I may or may not have burned my tongue a couple of times…just to test the batch to make sure it was ready for everyone else, of course!

5-Ingredient Pizza Dip Recipe

Author: Christy

Recipe type: Appetizer

Prep time: 5 mins

Cook time: 20 mins

Total time: 25 mins

Ingredients

1 7.5-oz cream cheese spread
1.5 cup marinara sauce (adjust to how saucy you like it)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup shredded colby jack cheese
⅓ cup shredded parmesan cheese
Optional: Mrs. Dash Garlic & Herb Seasoning to taste
For serving: Pita chips, crackers, or bagel chips

Instructions

Preheat oven to 35ºF.
Spread the cream cheese in the bottom of a baking dish.
Top with a layer of marinara.
Add a layer of mozzarella, colby jack, and parmesan.
Sprinkle with seasoning if using.
Add another layer of sauce.
Top with cheese mixture and sprinkle with seasoning again.
Place in middle rack in preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes.
Allow the dip to sit in the oven for another 5 minutes after the heat has been turned off, until the entire dip is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
Remove from oven, let cool about 10 minutes, serve with chips and crackers.

There you have it. Your new favorite dip is as simple as (pizza) pie. If you’d like a meatier version, top with some pepperoni or precooked ground hamburger. You can also top it with your favorite diced veggies if you want to add even more flavor and texture. Just be sure to adjust the baking time up a bit if you’re adding more ingredients. I assure you, no matter how you serve it, no one can resist this simply delightful dip!