ranch

This week I'm planning the ultimate high school graduation party. Most high schools host a grad night after the ceremony where students get to celebrate together one last time. To ensure that they won't miss the festivities at either the grad night or their family's gathering, throw the personal party in the days following the graduation. The majority of graduates will have some sort of get together, and guests may be party-hopping, so take that into consideration when selecting a menu. Instead of offering a formal, sit-down dinner, opt for heavy appetizers or a casual, make-ahead buffet. This menu consists of comforting, simple, kid-friendly party food.

You can't go wrong with classics like seven-layer dip with tortilla chips and ranch dip with crudites. Pressed mozzarella and tomato sandwiches get more flavorful over time, and beef sliders with cheese and spicy mayonnaise are hearty enough to satiate the football players. For these crowd-pleasing recipes, read more

Jennifer Garner and Ben Affleck have finally ended their year-long house hunt, settling in a California ranch house in Pacific Palisades, which they purchased from Hollywood producer Brian Grazer for $17.55 million. But, believe it or not, the home had been listed for $27.5 million! These A-listers must have some serious negotiating skills. The 8,800-square-foot, five-bedroom, eight-bath home was designed in the 1930s by California architect Cliff May, who is credited with pioneering the California ranch-style home. But, the home isn't short of a Hollywood heritage either: film and stage star Gregory Peck bought the low-slung house in 1947. Rooms in the one-story building flow directly onto one another with large picture windows blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor living — a May trademark. The home also features a swimming pool, a guesthouse, and an office/gym/art studio. No word yet on whether I'll be invited as an esteemed guest, though. To see more photos, read more

Can you dip it? If you are coming to my football tailgate you better be able to, because the entire menu consists of dips! I'll have a smorgasbord of delectable dips and equally delicious dippers. With four different types of dip, there is something for everyone. Vegetarians will enjoy sweet potato chips with caramelized onion dip. Classical eaters will love the crudités with ranch dip. Carnivores will savor chili-lime fried chicken wings with honey lime dip. Cheese fiends will go ga-ga for fontina-gorgonzola fonduta.

To serve these football-friendly recipes at your tailgate, read more

What better way to start the long, holiday weekend than with grilled pork tenderloin sandwiches? These sandwiches are packed with flavor and are super simple to put together. The pork doesn't need time to marinade, making them perfect for a last-minute dinner.

Scrumptious to taste, they also pack well, so take them to your next sporting event or picnic! This dish from MyRecipes.com is a must for your Summer recipe collection — to get it now, read more

For an alternative presentation for lasagna, consider making lasagna rolls. Instead of layering the cheese and vegetables, the ingredients — in this case ricotta, spinach, mozzarella, and ranch — is spread on the pasta sheets and rolled up. Serve crusty garlic bread for mopping up the scrumptious sauce. Sound interesting? Check out the recipe when you read more

Let them eat cake... er broccolli... er broccoli that looks like cake?

Hidden Valley is launching a new ad campaign aimed at getting your kids to eat vegetables. The main ad features, "Three perfect broccoli cupcakes sitting atop a cake stand with Hidden Valley(R) Original Ranch(R) dressing replacing typical buttercream
frosting," and apparently there's another one of carrot "french fries" topped with ranch dressing. The slogan on the bottom says "Makes Vegetables Delectable," but - I kid you not - the press release says the ads showcase vegetables going from "plain to insane!" Plain to insane indeed...

"Our aim was to capture life in Hidden Valley -- a place where
vegetables are as delectable as treats," said Chad Ackley, creative
director at DDB. "We know moms struggle to get their kids to eat well, and
we believe our message provides a reminder that the taste of Hidden Valley
Ranch has the power to encourage kids to eat their vegetables."

I don't know if this is going to fool any kids - after all broccoli is still broccoli - but I will admit, it does make it look tastier. And totally off topic, I really want that cake stand.

Source: PR Newswire
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