Friday, June 24, 2011

A Favorite and a Fond Farewell

Here's one of my family's go-to appetizer choices. A true favorite. I originally got this from Pampered Chef, but we've (you guessed it) adapted it just a little bit. It's absolutely delicious!

You'll need:

1 can of Pillsbury Crescent Rolls (I've used store brands and they just don't perform as well for this recipe. Too oozy. Pillsbury delivers consistent results.)
2 8-ounce packages of cream cheese
2 Tbsp mayonnaise
1 tsp dillweed
Veggies, cut up. I used broccoli, cauliflower, peppers, and a bit of onion (Onion only on half. Though my hubby loves onions, they don't love him.)

Pampered Chef tells you to bake this on one of their stones, but my last one broke years ago. I use insulated cookie sheets/jelly roll pans and have had great results.

Unroll the crescents onto baking pan and press/pinch together to form one big sheet. Actually, I think Pillsbury sells them in sheets like this now. They must have realized how many fun uses we've come up with for their crescent dough!

Bake this sheet in a 350 F oven according to package directions, or until it's slightly browned. Remove from oven and allow to completely cool.




While it's cooling, cut up your veggies into smaller than bite-sized pieces. Speaking of Pampered Chef, remember that crinkle cutter I told you about? The one I originally thought would be useless, but now love? Well, here it is in action:








Combine cream cheese, mayo, and dill. Spread on baked and cooled crust. Cover this with your cut up veggies. Refrigerate for best taste. Cut into small squares for serving.






Try this once and you'll make it for every event! Really!


That's one of my family favorites. Now it's time for the fond farewell...

It has been my great privilege to be part of this spectacular blog for the past two years. I've made some wonderful friends here, and I know I was the luckiest girl in the world when Krista and Avery approached me about participating.


The past two years have been full of fun and learning. Full of laughs and such a wonderful sharing of not only recipes, but milestones and successes. The reason this blog is so great though, is not just because those of us posting show up everyday to chat, but because of all of you... the readers, the community of Mystery Lovers' Kitchen. I cannot thank you all enough for cheering us on when we have new books released, for sharing your stories of personal triumphs and trials (both in the kitchen and out), and for simply being our friends. 

It is with sadness (though sadness warmed by memories!) that I'm leaving the blog. Today is my final post. Life has gotten busier rather than calmer. I know so many friends who are able to produce two books per year and still keep the homefires burning, but I'm finding it increasingly difficult to do so. I will miss you all. Very much. 

But who's taking over this Friday spot? That's the good news! Sheila and MJ will share Fridays and while Wendy will be here most Saturdays, we have a brand new chef joining the kitchen once a month. The funny and vivacious Ellery Adams is very excited to be sharing her wonderful recipes and stories with you. You're going to adore her. We do!

I hope to pop in from time to time, and maybe even guest post now and then. I truly love this sanctuary on the Internet. We sure have fun here, don't we?

Thank you all for all your wonderful support! I am forever grateful,

Love,
Julie

16 comments:

  1. Sorry to see you go. Best wishes.

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  2. Even though I knew it was coming, I'm still sad, Julie. I will miss your recipes, and your humor in your postings here. Of course I'll be able to keep up with you on Facebook, but it won't be quite the same.
    hugs, Shel

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  3. So sorry to lose you, as I just discovered this blog. However, I'll continue to meet with you as I enjoy your books!

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  4. I'm going to miss seeing your contributions to this blog. I'll miss you, but there's always Facebook.

    Welcome Ellery!

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  5. Oh Julie...

    How exciting to be busy. I am ankle deep into "Grace Interrupted", and already have a dish inspired by the book planned for my site. Will certainly continue to follow you as I am hooked on the White House mysteries.

    Maybe twice a year you can show up here on a Sunday, update us on your life and announce your new releases.

    Continued good fortune to you. It has indeed been fun

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  6. Julie, we all hate to see you go. I hope you'll be back as a guest from time to time! We'll miss you!

    ~ Krista

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  7. It's been a pleasure to read your posts. However, I'm so thrilled that you're leaving because you busy with two series. Love the White House series and fully intend to start the other one this summer. Take care and best wishes!! By the way, this recipe looks scrumptious!

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  8. Thank you everyone! I'm so sad to leave this wonderful group, and to miss out on all the fun every day, but I promise to visit often, even if it's just to comment and say hello. I know I'll still be needing recipes and this is the best place in the world to get them!

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  9. Julie, tears are falling down my cheeks as I write this. You will be missed!! But I know I'll see you around the campus! Hugs and much success in your career and in life!
    ~Avery

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  10. Oh, Julie, I'm really going to miss you! Your posts always bring a smile to my face. Love your sense of humor, your spirit of adventure in the kitchen, great tips in preparation and your downright delicious recipes!

    But I hope you'll drop by occasionally & grace us with your sparkling personality. And I'll continue to be a fan of your writing, as always!

    Best wishes for everything in your life, and big (((HUGS))).

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  11. Julie,

    It has been an honor and a pleasure to share a Kitchen with you. I look forward to your guest posting with us in the future -- and seeing you on Facebook! Not goodbye, by any means, but see you soon...

    Wishing you the very best of everything,
    ~ Cleo

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  12. You'll be missed on this blog, Julie, but I understand about stretching yourself too thin. Keep on writing! And I hope to see you next spring at Malice Domestic.

    Barb

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  13. Julie, we're going to miss having you here, but we'll be seeing you around online! And maybe sometimes you can share some more great recipes with us here as a guest, too!

    And...yum! I do like the Pampered Chef recipes and I love your adaptation of this one. Thanks!

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  14. This sounds really good - yum! I am sorry your are leaving, but wish you every success and happiness:)

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  15. Thank you for sending me off with such good wishes and warm thoughts. There's so much more I want to share, but no way to say it except to say that I love you all and I'll miss you so much.

    Hugs,
    Julie

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  16. Thanks for the great recipes that you have shared.

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