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Wednesday, September 12, 2012

@ProjectRooftop Going All Project Runway on Batman

Call for Submission Arts Project:Rooftop is pretty friggin' neat. The site is a superhero fashion site that promotes superhero costume redesigning as a skill. (And anyone who still wishes she had gotten to be She-Ra for Halloween and may do it this year totally understands.)
 
Project:Rooftop pays tribute to the superheroes and villains we know and love while giving up-and-coming creators a forum to show their work ... and costume whores like myself something to lust after.
 
There's a call for submissions for their upcoming Batman Fan-Art Friday. The deadline for submissions is Tuesday, September 25 at 8am Eastern time. Email your images to projectrooftop@gmail.com.  

Just so you know the kind of pimping out Batman's in for, here's Anjin Anhut‘s  winning design for their 2009 Batman: Dynamic Do-Over contest.

If anyone out there ever needs some PR & Marketing for a superhero design gallery show or museum installation, you got to give me a call. By the power of Greyskull-knowing is half the battle-there can be only one!!!! (I think the Highlander is a superhero and I won't take no guff for it.)

Friday, August 10, 2012

NYC Non-Profit $200k Grant Challenge Deadline on Aug. 15th!

This is a great opportunity for non-profits in the NYC area and if you have an organization you must take advantage of it!!

21st Century Solutions is a local grant challenge for nonprofit organizations that are working towards improving their community with new and innovative programs. Local nonprofit organizations have a unique opportunity to win up to $200,000 in grant money.

The deadline for the grant is August 15. The winner will receive a $100,000 grant and two runners-up will each receive $50,000.

Offered through NBCUniversal, the grant challenge is open to eligible 501(c)(3) organizations around the tri-state that are less than three years old. These organizations can work in a variety of areas, including arts and media, civic engagement, community development, education and the environment. Any group with a fresh way of addressing problems is encouraged to apply.

For more information, please visit the 21st Century Solutions page.


Thursday, August 9, 2012

National Book Lovers Day is Today! Aug. 9

Book Cover Art
Always a special place in my heart for this book and this cover
There are days for so many things I simply have no interest in - like National Polka Day, Play in the Sand Day, Spumoni Day, etc. I'm not making these up, someone actually went through the trouble of making days for these things. To be clear, I have no problem with these things, I just don't really see why they need whole days devoted to them.

This is why I'm happy to know about August 9th - National Book Lovers Day!

I will not lie. When Kindles first came out, I was all sorts of against them. I was determined not to loose the joy I get from smelling old pages, getting lost for hours in book stores, and turning back covers of tacky books so no one on the subway could see what I was reading.

However, I quickly learned that Kindles didn't mean I had to loose what I loved, it just meant that I could be sure that I was NEVER without a book. I could do both printed books and digital books. Be all bi-readual... or something.

Anyhooo, back to National Book Lovers Day. Celebrate your love of books tomorrow by hustling to your local bookstore and snapping up something you've always wanted to read OR checking out some of the great sites offering free eBooks like the fabulous ManyBooks.net and Project Gutenberg!

Happy Reading Everyone!!



Thursday, July 19, 2012

Twitter Tips for Authors


Twitter Tips & Guidelines for Authors



1. Make a permanent About page.
 Your Twitter bio can only include 160 characters. It’s not much room to tell your story or introduce people to all you offer so be sure you include the link to your About page in order to supplement your Twitter bio.

2. Display your Twitter handle in as many places as possible. Display links to your Twitter handle in your email signature, on your website/blog, your FB group page—everywhere. If you bring a sign-up sheet to events, be sure to add a column specifically for people to include their Twitter handles - if you don’t tell people to give it to you, they most likely won’t remember to do so!

3. Content ideas:

  • Most important. Don’t just tweet about what you do - share news that is helpful to the type of people your book is trying to reach! So if you're a horror writer, blog about an upcoming horror convention.
  • If there are groups/organization you are affiliated with and that you think would be of interest to your type of reader then tweet about their news!
  • Be sure to follow groups and orgs with whom you are affiliated if they are on Twitter so that they know you’re giving them support and so that they can return the favor. It’s also good that people on Twitter can see that you are associated with organizations related to their interests.
  • Try using RSS feeds (these are like news wires) to automatically post industry related tweets. You can find appropriate RSS feeds by going to places like New York Times’ site and seeing their RSS feed directory.

4. Participate in trending topics. Look for appropriate weekly chats/trending topics in the publishing community. If they’re a fit for you then join in on those chats using #_____. This way you have a chance of showing up when people are searching this particular topic.

5. Leave room for replies. Keep posts short if possible. This way you give people enough room to retweet you with a comment. (Your posts should leave enough room for RT @yourtwittername).

6. Choose the right people to follow. When you first start, you want to choose a handful of big organizations to start off with so that people can easily tell where your interests lie - and others copying that organization can easily find you as well. Then try following individuals with a lower number of followers because they will be more likely to follow you back.

7. Monitor New Follows. Make sure you are monitoring new followers. You may not want to reciprocally follow everyone who follows you, for example some people who follow you are just trolls like spammers. Either way it’s good to check out who’s following you so that you can follow back and in some cases send back custom thank-you messages for followers who are important like press. You could also look into using an auto responder that says thanks to everyone if you start getting too many followers to monitor.

8. Finding people to Follow. You can find people to follow by using one of the many free Twitter directory and Twitter management sites. Some will allow you to look up individual Twitter users by both interest and city. You can also find an organization which you believe is similar to yours, for example Random House, and then follow the people who follow them based on the thought their followers would be the type of people who might like to follow you.

9. Get help. If you find you don't have time to keep up with all of this take a look at services offered by SEO freelancers. The right freelancer can get you set up, launch your campaign, and educate you on how to maintain it going forward. Even if you're not a tech whiz it's great to understand the basics about this stuff and with all of the tools out there to help manage your Twitter account it's easy to take care of once you've had someone tackle the set up process!

Monday, May 21, 2012

Arts: Calls for Submissions in Portland

A couple of great ongoing calls for submissions coming out of Portland so if you or an artist you know is in the area, check these out:

SPACE Gallery is seeking proposals for visual installations for its 538 storefront window exhibition space.  It's a unique three dimensional space which gives an artist plenty of room to trick out with an unconventional installation. There are large street facing glass panels (85″ high x 110″wide), a window platform (179″ long, 26″ deep, 17″ tall) and the back wall (centered on the platform, 96″ tall x 122″ wide). Also, this location gets lots of foot traffic so you're work WILL be seen. No deadline listed. For more information visit http://space538.org/blog/2012/05/16/call-for-submissions/.
 
Disjecta Interdisciplinary Art Center in Portland has an ongoing call for submissions. The nonprofit arts organization highlights the work of local and regional, American and international artists focusing on challenging and emerging ideas in contemporary art. Disjecta's Curatorial Committee reviews proposals from artists and organizations, choosing programs for their artistic strength and cultural and/or social relevance. For complete information visit http://www.disjecta.org/getinvolved/artists.php.



Thursday, May 10, 2012

Beer Reception & Classy Music @MetMuseum (June 8)

I love chichi contemporary classical paired with  find suds courtesy of Brooklyn Brewery. That's just a good thing. If you're in NYC on June 8th you may want to check this out. (Kiddies welcome!)


Great Hall Balcony Bar

Friday, June 8, 2012, at 7:00 p.m. 
New York Philharmonic CONTACT!
David Robertson Leads Elliott Carter World Premiere 


The New York Philharmonic’s acclaimed new music series, CONTACT!—called “…must-hear adventures with provocative, enticing contemporary music” by The New York Times—returns for a third season.  In this season’s second program hosted by WNYC’s John Schaefer, David Robertson conducts the world premiere performance of Elliott Carter’sTwo Controversies and a Conversation, a double concerto with piano and percussion, with featured players Colin Currie, percussion, and Eric Huebner, piano; as well as the U.S. premiere of NACHLESE Vb: Liederzyklus, a musical meditation on the nature of linguistic translation, by Michael Jarrell, featuring soprano Charlotte Dobbs. Also on the program is the contemporary classic...explosante/fixe... by Pierre Boulez, with Principal Flute soloist Robert Langevin on MIDI flute, Philharmonic flutist Mindy Kaufman, and flutist Alexandra Sopp.


A reception with free beer provided by Brooklyn Brewery will follow the concert. 


This series is made possible by the Xerox Foundation. 
Tickets: $20 


Bring the Kids! $1 tickets available for children (ages 7-16) when accompanied by an adult with a full-price ticket. Available by phone 212-570-3949 or at the box office. 

Friday, April 27, 2012

NYFA MARK'12 Bootcamp - CALL FOR APPLICATIONS

Performing, Literary and Visual Artists of the Central, Western and Southern Regions of New York State
 
Application Deadline: MONDAY, MAY 14, 2012

New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA) is pleased to announce the NYFA MARK Bootcamp program for the Central/Western/Southern regions of New York State. NYFA is working in partnership with our host organization Light Work, Syracuse NY, and outreach partners Cultural Resources Council, Syracuse, NY and Community Arts Partnership of Tompkins County to host the program which will take place over one intensive weekend, June 8-10 and a one-day follow up event on July 7 at Golden Artist Colors in New Berlin, NY. In 2012, modeled on NYFA’s Artist as Entrepreneur Boot Camp, MARK’12 Bootcamp is now open to artists working in the performing and literary arts. NYFA is excited to be able to support the wide variety of creative activities in the region.

MARK is the New York Foundation for the Arts’ (NYFA) program for artists based in New York State, (outside of the five boroughs of New York City) who want a unique opportunity for individualized focus on the professional and business side of their creative practice. MARK is designed to address the concerns of artists living outside of New York City while providing them with a new network statewide.

Presented over one intensive weekend with a follow up event, MARK’12 Bootcamp is a rigorous blend of formal classes, individualized training, networking and group interaction. Participating artists can expect MARK to spark goals and help to define concrete steps while providing individual and group feedback. Up to 40 artists will be selected for this location, encouraging and fostering a community network of cross-disciplinary artists.

Click Here for List of eligible Counties, Guidelines and Online Application
Click Here for schedule, location and for more information
Click Here for FAQ

Applications should be received by MIDNIGHT on the day of the deadline, MONDAY MAY 14th.
Questions: FHogan@nyfa.org
Felicity Hogan, Program Officer, NYFA Learning/NYFA Consults

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

PRO BONO Legal Clinic for Arts Organizations On May 15, 2012

New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA) will be partnering with the New York State Bar Association's Entertainment, Arts and Sports Law Committee (EASL) for a free legal clinic for those who qualify for pro bono legal consultation. The event will take place at NYFA on Tuesday, May 15th from 4:00pm to 7:00pm. The pro bono attorneys can offer advice on various arts-related issues such as intellectual property, nonprofit, and contract questions.

In order to qualify for a pro bono consultation, you or your organization must meet one of the following requirements by producing your most recent tax return demonstrating that you are:

- An individual earning an adjusted gross income of less than $30,000
- A married couple earning an adjusted gross income of less than $40,000
- A married couple with children earning an adjusted income of less than $50,000
- An organization earning less than $40,000. Note: You will need to verify that your organization pays taxes.

If you or anyone interested have any questions or would like to take advantage of this opportunity and meet the requirements above, please fill out the following form by May 11, 2012, by clicking on this link to the NYFA-EASL Legal Clinic Registration Form.

Any additional questions should be addressed to mrunyan@nyfa.org. Please keep in mind that you will need to bring a recent tax return in order to verify your income. NYFA strongly encourages all arts organizations to take advantage of this opportunity.

Museum Integrates Exhibits w/ School Curriculums to Take Education Further


The Science Museum of Minnesota's Engineering Explorations program,  is an educational program designed to access the museum's exisiting engineering exhibits to enhance students understanding of the engineering concepts they are learning in school.


Sponsored by refining and chemicals company, Flint Hills Resources, this program is a great example of how businesses and museums can work together to give students relevent, real-world educational experiences. Helping kids put science and math into context can get them excited about working in these fields and inspire them to focus on their education and take it seriously. Here's a press release on the project:



ENGINEERING FIELD DAYS PROGRAM HELPS MINNESOTA
SCHOOLS MEET NEW CURRICULUM STANDARDS
Flint Hills Resources and the Science Museum of Minnesota partner
to engage students in engineering through hands-on learning

Hastings, Minn. – Fourth and fifth grade students from St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Kennedy, St. John’s the Baptist, and Christa McAuliffe schools will learn how to think like engineers when they take a field trip to the Science Museum of Minnesota. Students will visit the museum on various dates in April and May (see schedule below) for Engineering Explorations, a new interactive program sponsored by Flint Hills Resources that is designed to enhance student interest in engineering and fulfill new academic standards. The program is an example of business and education working together to meet requirements set by the Minnesota Department of Education.

Minnesota schools are now required to incorporate specific engineering material into curricula to prepare students for jobs of the future. The standards are new this school year and reflect the state’s commitment to educate students about the modern scientific world. Engineering Field Days help schools fulfill the standards in a way that is fun and engaging for students.

“We are thrilled and grateful that we are able to partner with Flint Hills Resources to make this initiative possible,” said Dr. Eric J. Jolly, president of the Science Museum of Minnesota. “It promises to equip a new generation with the tools to compete and innovate in a world where scientific literacy is critical to a successful workforce.”

During their trips to the museum, students from more than 30 elementary schools in the Twin Cities will learn how to combine math, science, creativity and curiosity to effectively think like engineers. While the typical museum visitor focuses on the exhibit and its significance, students will be challenged to consider how the exhibits were made, what materials were used to build them, and what problems were likely solved along the way. For example, students will observe dinosaur skeletons, learn what holds the bones together, and determine what keeps them from falling down. Students will also view live theater programs that explain why all people are engineers to some extent.

Engineering Field Days are designed to help spark kids’ imaginations in science and engineering,” said Jake Reint, director of public affairs at Flint Hills Resources. “As a high-tech manufacturer that employs hundreds of engineers and skilled workers, we know how important it is to encourage young people to take an interest in science.”


Engineering Field Days schedule
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton (4/24)
Kennedy (4/24 & 5/23)
St. John’s the Baptist (5/1)
Christa McAuliffe (5/25)


About the Science Museum of Minnesota
The Science Museum of Minnesota serves more than one million visitors each year with its hands-on exhibits, breathtaking giant screen films, special events, and unparalleled education programs. It is located at 120 West Kellogg Boulevard in downtown Saint Paul. For specific directions, parking information, hours, show times, and ticket information, call 651-221-9444 or visit www.smm.org.


About Flint Hills Resources
Flint Hills Resources, LLC, through its subsidiaries, is a leading refining and chemicals company. Its subsidiaries market products such as gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, ethanol, biodiesel, olefins, polymers and intermediate chemicals, as well as base oils and asphalt. The refining business operates refineries in Alaska (North Pole), Minnesota (Rosemount) and Texas (Corpus Christi), with a combined crude oil processing capacity of more than 800,000 barrels per day. The petrochemical business includes production facilities in Illinois, Michigan and Texas. The renewables business operates ethanol plants in Iowa, a biodiesel plant in Texas, and has made equity investments in bioenergy companies. The asphalt business produces and markets product in the Midwest and Alaska. A subsidiary owns an interest in a lubricants base oil facility in Louisiana.
Flint Hills Resources Pine Bend in Rosemount, Minn., has a crude oil processing capacity of about 320,000 barrels per day. Pine Bend employs about 900 people full-time; an additional 200-2,000 contractors work at the refinery daily on construction and maintenance projects. More information about the company is available at www

Friday, April 6, 2012

Non-Profit News: Horses Helping Soldiers W/PTSD

Rainier Therapeutic Riding in Yelm, WA is a great program near Seattle which is using horses to help veterans suffering from Suicidal tendencies, Post Traumatic Stress and Traumatic Brain Injury.

Here's a video showing a vet's personal experience with the program.



Rainier Therapeutic Riding provides basic horsemanship lessons to injured military personnel and is the largest provider of equine therapy to military personnel in the country. The group works directly with medical military personnel to select active duty soldiers and teach them basic horsemanship skills. Through the relationship they build with “their” horses soldiers connect and rediscover the value of living.

Rainier Therapeutic Riding is currently serving 48 soldiers weekly, and relies on the support of local farm owners for indoor riding space and the help of over 50 active volunteers, 3 certified instructors, and 14 privately owned/leased horses.

To find out more about Rainier Therapeutic's Riding Program visit http://www.rtriding.org/.









Dunkin’ Donuts gets High-Falutin' w/Artisan Bagels



DD isn't just for plebeian bagels anymore. The company is launching a new line of artisan bagels and other fancy stuff. Finally!!! Reduced-fat artichoke spinach cream cheese - because that's what I expect from a classy establishment such as Dunkin' Donuts.  Here's the news:


Trust us this is all artisan and junk
The chain will roll out a new “artisan” line of bagels this spring to its shops nationwide. It first started carrying bagels in 1996, and now has “reinvented” its recipe, the company said in a press release. Existing varieties such as sesame, poppy seed and cinnamon raisin will be joined by sun-dried tomato and pumpernickel. Also added to the menu: reduced-fat artichoke spinach cream cheese.

Thursday, April 5, 2012

Fabulous Beef Stew & Sweet Potato Recipe

IMG_0554I had to share this crazy delectable beef stew recipe. I love the fact that it has Sweet Potato rather than white potatoes - it's a great twist. This dish freezes well and looks great on the table, so if you're looking for a make ahead recipe for a dinner party this is a great choice.

Thanks to Joy the Baker for this great beef stew recipe and if you're looking for more inventive and tasty recipes I definitely recommend you check out her site regularly.


Beef and Sweet Potato Stew (adapted from Epicurious.com)
makes a big pot.  serves 6.

(Note: One of the last steps calls for sugar. I found that the sweet potatoes and tomato paste made it sweet enough and so I felt it didn’t need the sugar at all, so I would definitely taste before you add any.)

3/4 cup all-purpose flour with a big pinch of salt and pepper
1 1/4 pound stew beef, cut into 1-inch chunks
about 1/4 cup olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, coarsely diced
2 cups peeled and thickly sliced carrots
3/4 pound cremini mushrooms, cleaned and cut in half
6 cloves of garlic, minced
3 tablespoons tomato paste
1/2 cup light beer
1 pound sweet potato, peeled and diced into 1-inch chunks
4 cups beef broth (more if you’d like it more soupy)
1 bay leaf
3 teaspoons fresh thyme leaves, coarsely chopped
1 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1-2 tablespoons sugar
salt and pepper to taste
couscous and parsley to serve

In a large brown paper bag, place flour, salt, and pepper.  Add diced beef.  Close the bag.  Hold it tight and shake.  Open bag and make sure that all of the beef is lightly coated in flour and seasoning.  Set aside.

In a large dutch oven (or giant soup pot), heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.  Add as much beef as will fit along the bottom of the pan in a single layer.  Cook, browning on all sides.  The beef doesn’t need to be cooked through, just browned.  Once all of the beef is cooked, remove from the pan and place on a plate.  Set aside.

In the same dutch oven, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil.  Add onions and carrots and cook until onions are translucent, about 5 minutes.  Add mushrooms and garlic, and cook for another 3 minutes.  Add tomato paste and heat through.  

Deglaze the pan with the beer, scraping the browned bits from the bottom of the pan as the beer steams.

Add the sweet potatoes, and cover with beef broth. Add bay leaf, thyme, and Worcestershire sauce.  Add beef.  Turn heat to low and let gently simmer for 45 minutes, until the vegetables are cooked through,

Taste and add sugar (this helps the acidity), salt, and pepper as necessary.

Serve over couscous or rice with a sprinkling of fresh parsley.


Monday, April 2, 2012

International Children's Book Day / Hans Christian Anderson's Birthday

April 2nd is Hans Christian Anderson's Birthday, therefore it's only fitting that it also happens to be the date of International Children's Book Day this year.


Each year a theme is chosen and a prominent author writes a message to the children of the world. These materials are used in different ways to promote books and reading for children internationally. Activities include writing competitions, announcements of book awards and events with authors of children's literature.


The sponsor for this year's ICBD is the Mexico branch of the International Board on Books for Young People. IBBYP Mexico chose the them "Once upon a time, there was a story that the whole world told". Artist Juan Gedovius created a gorgeous poster for the event.


For information on International Children's Book Day events near you check out http://www.usbby.org/icbd.html.


Read On Little Ones, Read On!!!!

Friday, March 30, 2012

World Autism Awareness Day on April 2nd

ASD affects an estimated 3 million individuals in the U.S. and tens of millions worldwide. Autism statistics from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identify around 1 in 110 American children as on the autism spectrum. In fact, more children will be diagnosed with autism this year than with childhood cancer, juvenile diabetes or pediatric AIDS combined.

On World Autism Awareness Day, April 2nd, organizations around the world celebrate with fundraising and awareness-raising events. To share your events, please "Like" the World Autism Awareness Day page on Facebook and submit your events by posting the information on the wall.

For more information on Autism and World Autism Awareness Day visit  http://www.autismspeaks.org/what-autism/waad .

Thursday, March 29, 2012

Bacon Coffins - Breakfasts & Funerals Will Never Be the Same Again?

Bacon CoffinI'm not sure what a "bacon memorial tube" is, but if I wasn't planning on being burned on a floating pyre in a viking burial, this is totally what I would do.


J&D Food's, the company that makes Bacon Salt and Bacconaise, has created the world’s first bacon-wrapped casket. As the company states:
“Bacon Coffins are finished with a painted Bacon and Pork shading and accented with gold stationary handles. The interior has an adjustable bed and mattress, a bacon memorial tube and is completed in ivory crepe coffin linens."
The Bacon Coffins are available for $2,999.95 plus shipping.
You should probably jump right on this.



Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Today's Google Doodle March 27, 2012 - Ludwig Mies van der Rohe's Birthday

Today's Google Doddle commemorates the 126th birthday of German architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. 




For a little background - Mies built a number of notable houses in Germany, including the Lemke House, before moving into furniture, designing chairs and tables. After emigrating to the US he became head of the Armour Institute, later the Illinois Institute of Technology where he designed a number of the campus buildings including the Alumni Hall ad Wishnick Hall.

The Promontory Apartments in Chicago was the first high-rise block designed by Mies and was soon followed by the Lake Shore Apartments, which used steel straight from the mill.


Friday, March 23, 2012

Foodie Fridays: National Chips and Dip Day!

It just gets obscuerer and obscuerer. No, it's not a word but if you like Alice and Wonderland you get it.


So today is National Chips and Dip Day. Why? Because we need it. If it weren't for National Chips and Dip day we might only get Chips and Dip during the Super Bowl. Imagine a whole year without Seven Layer Dip or Spinach Dip. No one wants to live in a world like that ... unless of course they're dieting, but I can pretty much assure you that I will never write about dieting.


In honor of National Chips and Dip Day, here are recipes for the most basic to the most unusual dips out there.


Annie's Fruit Salsa and Cinnamon Chips
From Ann Page on Allrecipes.com

(Yields 10 servings)

Ingredients

  • 2 kiwis, peeled and diced
  • 2 Golden Delicious apples - peeled, cored and diced
  • 8 ounces raspberries
  • 1 pound strawberries
  • 2 tablespoons white sugar
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 3 tablespoons fruit preserves, any flavor
  •  
  • 10 (10 inch) flour tortillas
  • butter flavored cooking spray
  • 2 tablespoons cinnamon sugar

  • Directions
  1. In a large bowl, thoroughly mix kiwis, Golden Delicious apples, raspberries, strawberries, white sugar, brown sugar and fruit preserves. Cover and chill in the refrigerator at least 15 minutes.
  2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  3. Coat one side of each flour tortilla with butter flavored cooking spray. Cut into wedges and arrange in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Sprinkle wedges with desired amount of cinnamon sugar. Spray again with cooking spray.
  4. Bake in the preheated oven 8 to 10 minutes. Repeat with any remaining tortilla wedges. Allow to cool approximately 15 minutes. Serve with chilled fruit mixture.



Texas Caviar
From Elkinsmeg on Allrecipes.com
(Yields 8 cups)

Ingredients

  • 1/2 onion, chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 bunch green onions, chopped
  • 2 jalapeno peppers, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 1 pint cherry tomatoes, quartered
  • 1 (8 ounce) bottle zesty Italian dressing
  • 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained
  • 1 (15 ounce) can black-eyed peas, drained
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
  • 1 bunch chopped fresh cilantro

  • Directions
  1. In a large bowl, mix together onion, green bell pepper, green onions, jalapeno peppers, garlic, cherry tomatoes, zesty Italian dressing, black beans, black-eyed peas and coriander. Cover and chill in the refrigerator approximately 2 hours. Toss with desired amount of fresh cilantro to serve.




Lobster Dip
From Chef-Girl-L-Dee on Allrecipes.com
(Yields 2 cups)

  • 1 (7 ounce) can lobster meat, drained and flaked
  • 1 tablespoon minced onion
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
  • 4 tablespoons butter, softened
  • 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish

Directions

  1. In a medium bowl, mix together lobster meat, onion, lemon juice, cream cheese, butter and prepared horseradish. Continue mixing until smooth. Cover and chill in the refrigerator until serving.


  • Veronica's Hot Spinach, Artichoke and Chile Dip

    From Wrightwood Girl on AllRecipes.com 
  • (Yields 10 servings)
    • Ingredients
    • 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened
    • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
    • 1 (4.5 ounce) can chopped green chiles, drained
    • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
    • 1 (12 ounce) jar marinated artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
    • 1/4 cup canned chopped jalapeno peppers, drained
    • 1 (10 ounce) box frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained

    • Directions
    1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
    2. Mix together the cream cheese and mayonnaise in a bowl until smooth. Stir in the green chiles, Parmesan cheese, artichokes, peppers, and spinach. Spoon the mixture into a baking dish.
    3. Bake in preheated oven until slightly browned, about 30 minutes.


    From Ginny on Allrecipes.com
    (Yields 7 cups)

    Ingredients

    • 1 (16 ounce) can refried beans
    • 1 cup guacamole
    • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
    • 1 (8 ounce) container sour cream
    • 1 (1 ounce) package taco seasoning mix
    • 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
    • 1 tomato, chopped
    • 1/4 cup chopped green onions
    • 1/4 cup black olives, drained

    • Directions
    1. In a large serving dish, spread the refried beans. Layer the guacamole on top of the beans.
    2. In a medium bowl, mix the mayonnaise, sour cream and taco seasoning mix. Spread over the layer of guacamole.
    3. Sprinkle a layer of Cheddar cheese over the mayonnaise mixture layer. Sprinkle tomato, green onions and black olives over the cheese.