Random Review - Pelican Bay Dips

I dropped by a church fundraiser this past weekend and when I walked by their display of soups and dips, I couldn't pass up an opportunity for a little taste!  They offered a variety of dips from Pelican Bay and I couldn't resist buying their Hot and Cheesy Basil Balsamic dip mix and their Honey Garlic Buffalo dip.

We love cheese, we love basil, and we love balsamic vinegar, so when they're all combined into one dip, it's a winner in our house!  All you do is add the mix to 1/2 cup of softened cream cheese and 1/2 cup of sour cream.  You layer in the mixture in a small baking dish with 4 slices of provolone cheese then bake at 350 degrees for about 20 minutes.  (I used 2 slices of provlone and some shredded parmesan).  The dip was delectable!  Even my 3-year-old loved it.  Each box makes two bowls of this yummy, hot, cheesy goodness.



The Honey Garlic Buffalo dip was not a flavor combination that I ever would have imagined, but boy, was it good!  The sweetness of the honey compliments the spicy buffalo flavor and makes a really enjoyable dip.  This is a cold dip, so you just blend the mix with sour cream and mayo (I prefer just sour cream), chill, and serve!  I will say that this dip does have a bit of a kick, so be careful with the kiddos.  My 3-year-old said that it makes his tongue "itch." 

2011 CHOC Walk

On October 16, Damien and I will be participating in the annual CHOC Walk in the Park, benefitting Children's Hospital of Orange County. Our participation will be our way of saying "Thank you" to everyone at CHOC who has helped diagnose and treat our Damien's Failure to Thrive and pancreatic insufficiency. These people include Dr. Shaheen Idries, Nurse Practitioner Robyn Robinson, geneticist Dr. Zadeh, nurse Barbara who helped with his EEG, and everyone at the lab who had to suffer through trying to give him a sweat chloride test 3 times.

If you would like to sponsor us financially, go to www.chocwalk.net and search for Tana Jimenez and Damien Jimenez. Our goal is to raise $550 each.
Thank you in advance for your support,

Tana and Damien

2011 Fallbrook Avocado Festival

Our family went to the Fallbrook Avocado Festival today and it was not at all what we expected!  Since Fallbrook is a smaller town in the less-populated part of San Diego County, we expected a celebration of local agriculture, featuring (of course) avocados.  The website and articles promised all sorts of avocado-oriented events and yummy avocado treats, so I was excited to go and try something new.

We got there and you either had to hunt down an elusive parking space in one of the surrounding neighborhoods or shell out 10 bucks to part in a nearby lot.  Then we had to dodge thousands of other people, many of whom were dressed like thugs.  The vast majority of the booths were vendors and the only avocado-inspired food I saw was guacamole, avocado tea cakes, avocado ice cream, and avocado fudge.  (I had the avocado ice cream and it was really tasty!).  Other fare included your standard shave ice, hot dogs, brats, mexican food, and mini-donuts.  They also had a beer garden with live music.

They did have a small farmer's market and art display, but again, the vast majority of booths were vendors.  I'm honestly not sure if I'd come again.