This is a compensated review from BlogHer and Pepperidge Farm Baked Naturals Cheese Crisps.
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UPDATE: Erin from Long Island was my winner! Her comment was, "Cliche or not, I LOVE Halloween! There is nothing on Earth quite like walking around Manhattan on Halloween night!"
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OK, first of all I'm just going to tell you that when my samples of Pepperidge Farm Baked Naturals Cheese Crisps arrived, I immediately opened a box of the Four Cheese flavor and basically crunched my way through the whole yummy box. These crackers have some serious cheesy goodness, and they are delicious all by themselves. Pepperidge Farm says they have "Real taste, Real Crunch, Real Goodness." When I finally decided to share some with my roommate, *we* decided that they have "Real Cheese Cred."
But! It's fall. And fall means dinner parties. And party parties. And for me, that means whipping up some yummy dips for my friends to enjoy.
So I wanted to whip up some dips to try out with the Pepperidge Farm Baked Naturals Cheese Crisps, which I received in both the Four Cheese and the Four Cheese Italian Herb flavors. Here's what I was looking at:
Natural, preservative-free snacks, made with an artisan blend of real cheeses golden baked to bubbly perfection on top of a thin, crispy, crunchy cracker. Four Cheese is made with Aged Cheddar, Asiago, Romano and Parmesan, while Italian Herb is seasoned with flavorful herbs and spices.
Since both of these chips are really cheesy and flavorful by themselves, I wanted to try something mild, and something with a flavor that would complement the crackers. My mind went immediately to seafood.
First up, one of my classic favs I've made for ages, Hot Crab Dip. This dip is super easy and has a rich, mild flavor. I also love it because whenever I pull out the recipe, I see a dear friend's handwriting on a simple index card.
I'm always smiling at good memories when I make this dip. The remaining directions on the back say:
Cover with paprika. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes at 350 degrees til bubbly.
I've also made a vegetarian version of this dip by substituting olive tapenade for the crab and paprika. Note: you can easily double this recipe, but I found long ago that it's so rich that a single batch is enough. I enjoyed this dip most with the Four Cheese Italian Herb.
For my second dip, which was cold, I made a Shrimp Dip by simply mixed baby shrimps with some cocktail sauce and sweet relish. This had a more bite than the crab dip, so I enjoyed it with the Four Cheese chips. Probably not a dip you're going to plow through a batch of on your own (should you be so inclined), but a nice easy addition to your party table. Next time I might try adding a touch of sour cream to cut the cocktail sauce a little and make it a touch creamy.
Now, about that $100 Visa Gift Card!
To enter, leave me a comment below and tell me about a Favorite Fall Get-Together. What brings out your social butterfly this time of year? The contest will begins today and will end 11/2/09. Please make sure that the e-mail address you leave is correct.
Rules:
- No duplicate comments.
- You may receive an additional entry by linking to this post on twitter and leaving a link in the comments to your twitter.
- You may receive an additional entry by blogging about this contest and leaving a link in the comments to your blog post.
- This giveaway is open to US-residents age 18 and over
- Winners will be selected via random draw, using the random number generator, and will notified by e-mail.
- You have 48 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.
- Please see the official rules here: Official Rules.
You can also visit other BlogHer Reviewers for seven other chances to win a $100 Visa gift card.
And hey, if you invite me to your party, I'll totally bring the Pepperidge Farm Baked Naturals Cheese Crisps!
Movie night
Game night
Family night
Holiday are coming, so lots of parties for those!!
And a party for foods filled with pumpkin, my favorite ingredient!!!!
Posted by: Kelsey Kim | October 05, 2009 at 08:58 PM
Aside from the obvious Thanksgiving I'd have to go with post-football game parties :)
Posted by: KG | October 05, 2009 at 09:26 PM
It has got to be a traditional neighborhood get together on Thanksgiving morning. We all bring breakfast foods and the guys fry turkeys. It gives a chance to catch up on what everyone is up to and is a lot of fun!
Posted by: Annette D | October 06, 2009 at 06:38 AM
Big TV show viewing parties for the fall premieres.
Posted by: Meagan | October 06, 2009 at 07:42 AM
We like to camp in the fall and we always invite someone to the campground for hot dogs over the campfire and s'mores.
Posted by: Caron | October 06, 2009 at 07:44 AM
Favorite fall get-together has got to be tailgating with our college sons and their friends!
Posted by: Shelley B | October 06, 2009 at 07:57 AM
Let me just second Shelley B. and say that I'm a big football get-together fan. Love me so good excuses for a good beer!
Also, I do believe I've been neglected in the crab dip department and you should see the scowl on my face. Pony up, woman!
<3,
--amanda
P.S. I'm tweeting (psuklinkie) about this, too! I love prizes!
Posted by: amanda k. | October 06, 2009 at 08:08 AM
My favorite fall get-together is Thanksgiving.
Posted by: Megan | October 06, 2009 at 08:24 AM
I love fall picnics.
Posted by: Michelle | October 06, 2009 at 08:53 AM
My in-laws host Oktoberfest each year roughly in October (not always). But it's kinda pot-luckish in that people sometimes bring stuff although my in-laws tend to cook a lot of it on their own. Funny how that works... you say it's a pot luck and everyone should bring something in, what I would expect to be, a way out of cooking too much of it yourself, but they still cook a boatload. It's insane the amount of food at this party.
Posted by: kapgar | October 06, 2009 at 08:57 AM
Anything about Halloween or pumpkins. Cookie decorating? Pumpkin patch? Pumpkin decorating? All good!
Posted by: Elaine | October 06, 2009 at 09:00 AM
My favorite fall get together has to be for family birthdays. Five out of six of us were born in October or November.
Posted by: Nancy | October 06, 2009 at 09:14 AM
Annual Lasagna Bakeoff!!!!
Posted by: Kate | October 06, 2009 at 09:26 AM
Favorite fall get togethers growing up were always my birthday. Growing up in rural Michigan, November 15th was opening day of rifle season for deer hunting, and they'd always cancel school. Which meant, having a birthday on the 14th, I could always have slumber parties and stay up late on my birthday no matter what day of the week it fell on.
We had a big house, so I usually had 8-12 of my closest friends come over, and it was one of the two times of the year I got to see my best friend, Lori. There was always lots of giggling, lots of yummy snacks, plenty of ghost stories, game playing, and always a scary movie!
Posted by: JDub | October 06, 2009 at 10:12 AM
Thanksgiving!
My friend hosts a semi-annual Midnight Madness scavenger hunt that I may participate in this fall.
Posted by: Cynthia | October 06, 2009 at 11:07 AM
Thanksgiving, for sure, but my family gets together every October for a big fall festival. It's tradition!
Posted by: Michelle | October 06, 2009 at 12:09 PM
Favorite fall get-together: Halloween party
Posted by: Mfalcon13 | October 06, 2009 at 01:50 PM
Our favorite gathering this time of year is a Thanksgiving celebration.
Posted by: Mami2jcn | October 06, 2009 at 01:51 PM
I blogged about this:
http://grand-giveaways.blogspot.com/2009/10/visa-100-gift-card-sponsored-by.html
Posted by: Mami2jcn | October 06, 2009 at 01:51 PM
Football parties - Roll Tide!
kstabler@cbizmmp.com
Posted by: Kristen | October 06, 2009 at 02:50 PM
We have a Thanksgiving night dinner with friends, ads, and leftovers before we hit the sales.
Posted by: sidney | October 06, 2009 at 05:18 PM
Fall is the time for winery visits and Fall Festivals/Art & Craft Fairs of all types! :-)
Posted by: veggie365 | October 06, 2009 at 05:58 PM
Halloween Parties are the usual fall get together, though fall to me means marathon season!
Posted by: jessica Hart | October 06, 2009 at 08:32 PM
Florida State football games are the occasions of most get-togethers this fall. Die-hard Noles for life!
Posted by: Sarah Fowler | October 06, 2009 at 08:49 PM
Fall is when it finally gets nice here in Arizona -- so any celebration that involves being outside is what we look for! I have a can of crab in my pantry that is calling out for being included in this dip --- sounds like an excuse to have a get together!!
Posted by: Penelope | October 06, 2009 at 09:48 PM
When it finally gets chilly enough here in California to light the fireplace and put on a snuggly sweater, we love to get together and play cards and eat wonderful comfort food--hot spinach artichoke dip and the delicious 4-cheese crackers, bubbly stuffed mushrooms with crumbled Italian chip crumbs. Mmmm!
Posted by: seth22 | October 07, 2009 at 08:06 AM
I love to have the whole family over for Thanksgiving.
Posted by: Cecilia | October 07, 2009 at 08:52 AM
Fall means my mom's birthday... preceded by lots of knitting of warm, fuzzy gift scarves and hats. The celebration itself means lots of great snacks and chocolate cake!
Posted by: Anne | October 07, 2009 at 12:43 PM
My husband's birthday is usually our first fall get-together in the begining of November...then it doesn't end until after the New Year has come - I l-o-v-e this time of year!!!
tinymansmom@sbcglobal.net
Posted by: Katrina | October 07, 2009 at 12:59 PM
bunco ladies night!
Posted by: Lori Jones | October 07, 2009 at 02:12 PM
Anything with Thanksgiving :)
Posted by: Christy | October 07, 2009 at 04:13 PM
So, I suppose I should have linked my tweeting in another comment... how about this now!?
twitter.com/psuklinkie
Posted by: amanda k. | October 08, 2009 at 01:08 AM
My favorite was that as a kid my mom would have a leaf raking cookie making party for me and my friends. We'd make fall leaf cookies and rake up all her leaves. I don't know if realized we were working for her!
Posted by: Diana | October 08, 2009 at 08:43 AM
Thanksgiving is definitely my favorite fall get-together, mostly because we do something different, menu-wise, every year. Mixing it up keeps things interesting, and oh so tasty!
Posted by: Kerri Anne | October 08, 2009 at 11:28 AM
My favorite was a movie viewing party, with chili and crackers and all the fixins!
Posted by: www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1292672522 | October 08, 2009 at 11:43 AM
I love Halloween parties!
Posted by: lg | October 08, 2009 at 02:13 PM
Our favorite Fall Get-Together is our neighborhood block party that is held every year in the middle of October. We pull out our grills, set up several tables in the cul de sac, everyone brings a special dish to go with the hamburgers, hotdogs, we arrange fun games and entertainment for everyone.
Posted by: Tamara B. | October 08, 2009 at 06:25 PM
Other than Thanksgiving which we enjoy with family and friends - We enjoy getting together with friends before everyone gets busy with Thanksgiving and Christmas details.
Posted by: ARP | October 08, 2009 at 10:40 PM
We have our awesome annual neighborhood party in the fall...
Posted by: Laura F | October 10, 2009 at 06:38 AM
watching new fall tv shows together like The Office!
Posted by: Emily N. | October 10, 2009 at 10:58 AM
When the weather cool we always have a use the fireplace party, where everyone brings a dish and we have warm beverages and hot dips and crackers and chips
Posted by: Deneen M. | October 10, 2009 at 06:56 PM
Thanksgiving would top my list, I love the chance to get together with my family!
Posted by: Lethea Benson | October 10, 2009 at 08:24 PM
My favorite Fall Get-Together-
Both Thanksgiving and football games!
Posted by: Jessie C. | October 10, 2009 at 10:01 PM
http://tcarolinep.blogspot.com/2009/10/giveaway-everyday-goddess-does.html blogged.
Posted by: Jessie C. | October 10, 2009 at 10:03 PM
http://twitter.com/tcarolinep/status/4778061921
Posted by: Jessie C. | October 10, 2009 at 10:05 PM
Halloween parties!
Posted by: mervtheflamingo | October 11, 2009 at 06:13 AM
I love having a backyard picnic and having everyone together. I take plenty of pictures because of the change of leaf color and I have hundreds of trees as a backdrop. Fall also brings Thanksgiving and we even cooked and served outside,a great Thanksgiving!
Posted by: Peggy Gorman | October 11, 2009 at 05:12 PM
I love Halloween parties.
Posted by: Court | October 11, 2009 at 11:13 PM
We always get together with friends for Hallween. Eat and then let the kids trick-or treat.
Posted by: Linda | October 12, 2009 at 02:45 PM
Fall weather gets us in the mood to have family and friends over to enjoy "comfort" foods -- chili with crusty bread, crackers, and a variety of toppers (cheese, onions, peppers, etc.)
Posted by: Barb in CA | October 12, 2009 at 04:30 PM
Sunday or Monday football games, for sure!
Posted by: K | October 13, 2009 at 08:11 AM
Thanksgiving is my absolute favorite holiday, so I'd have to go with that. Spending time with family, delicious food, and planning where we are going shopping the next morning!
Posted by: Kristen | October 13, 2009 at 08:29 AM
apple picking to be followed by cider, snacks and warm drinks.
Posted by: jacquie | October 13, 2009 at 08:41 AM
The day after thanksgiving I host a get-together with friends. We consume all of our favorite fall foods and have a great time.
Posted by: Crissy | October 13, 2009 at 11:03 AM
Raking Leaves with the kids & watching them jump into the piles!
Posted by: Gina | October 13, 2009 at 06:07 PM
Our favorite get togethers during the Fall are for HOKIE FOOTBALL!
GO VT HOKIES!
Great giveaway!
Posted by: Saving Our Way (Eleanor) | October 13, 2009 at 07:41 PM
every year I host a halloween/dia de los muertos party complete with costumes and dancing skeleton decorations. it's so much fun and allows people to gorge themselves on loads of mexican food and margaritas, always a crowd pleaser!
mandy_vandeven(AT)yahoo.com
Posted by: Mandy | October 13, 2009 at 10:37 PM
I just stumbled across this when I was checking out a recipe for cauliflower/potato soup! wrote your crab dip recipe down to try out this weekend! also never saw these cheese crisps before! happy wednesday for ME!! lol
Posted by: chrissy daniels | October 14, 2009 at 03:08 AM
Thanksgiving - the feast to end all feasts
Posted by: Amy | October 14, 2009 at 05:56 AM
I make an annual pilgrimage to a local orchard. It's coming up this weekend, and I'm very excited. We pick apples, pause for cider and doughnuts, and then go for a meal. Awesome!
Posted by: Amanda B. | October 14, 2009 at 10:44 AM
Nothing beats Sunday afternoon football-watching parties in the fall. A bunch of couples in our neighborhood takes turns hosting the get togethers -- so much fun!
Thanks!
Posted by: Aimee W. | October 14, 2009 at 11:31 PM
** Tweet **
http://twitter.com/Nelsby/status/4883076068
Thanks!
Posted by: Aimee W. | October 14, 2009 at 11:32 PM
Finally getting to cook fall foods (i.e. soup and chili). I love to have friends over when I try a new recipe.
Posted by: Lisa A. | October 15, 2009 at 01:36 AM
Apple picking! Followed by a soup potluck with everyone.
Posted by: Kate | October 15, 2009 at 06:34 AM
Fall is birthday season for us... EVERYONE, (except momma) has their birthday... so it's a 2 month celebration... starting in Oct.31 to November 27... then Thanksgiving and Christmas are around the corner. We go to the pumpkin patch, decorate for Halloween, and keep the party going... gotta love the Fall.
Posted by: j3mom | October 15, 2009 at 07:07 AM
My favorite gathering is today actully. there are 18 of us getting together to carve pumpkins. This includes four generations of family.
Posted by: mmc67@roadrunner.com | October 15, 2009 at 07:23 AM
http://twitter.com/mmc67/status/4889572416 twitted
Posted by: mmc67@roadrunner.com | October 15, 2009 at 07:26 AM
Thanksgiving! We don't have any family close to us so we get to invite friends and its always a great time.
Posted by: Yvonne | October 15, 2009 at 12:43 PM
I am so going to do that - the crab dip that is. I have tried these and love the four cheese ones.
Posted by: Bergere | October 16, 2009 at 01:24 PM
Cliche or not, I LOVE Halloween! Walking around Manhatten on Halloween is like nothing else on Earth
Posted by: www.google.com/accounts/o8/id?id=AItOawmGd27BimJzLzi0ByrHvMnrietCSowS3iY | October 17, 2009 at 12:35 AM
Cliche or not, I LOVE Halloween! There is nothing on Earth quite like walking around Manhatten on Halloween night!
Posted by: Erin from Long Island | October 17, 2009 at 12:36 AM
tweet
http://twitter.com/erunuevo/status/4938055878
Posted by: Erin from Long Island | October 17, 2009 at 12:44 AM
I like fun fall festivities with the kids - bobbing for apples, face painting, going to the pumpkin patch
Posted by: marybeth i | October 17, 2009 at 08:22 AM
http://twitter.com/misaacmom/status/4943876270
Posted by: marybeth i | October 17, 2009 at 08:23 AM
I love just having people over for impromptu dinners that feature fall farmer's market goodies.
Posted by: sandy | October 17, 2009 at 12:04 PM
I love a good football get together!
Posted by: Melody | October 17, 2009 at 12:04 PM
Football games....then adult Halloween parties and Thanksgiving.
Posted by: Leslie Fuller | October 18, 2009 at 10:19 AM
A friend of ours has 10 acres and he has a bon fire every year. It is great to get together with friends, talking and eating by the fire. The cool crisp air and the stars make it wonderful.
Posted by: Kelly Ann T. | October 18, 2009 at 12:48 PM
I wish there was more stuff, but Thanksgiving is about it. It is one meal I LOVE/HATE making but it always turns out great so I enjoy having people over for it.
Posted by: Alexandrea M | October 18, 2009 at 04:25 PM
My fav fall get together is always Thanksgiving - I love how everyone gathers in the kitchen, hemming and hawing over the dishes, arguing over whether or not to add another pinch of cinnamon, lol!
Posted by: Ashley | October 19, 2009 at 04:38 PM
My fav fall get together is getting together with my two oldest friends (we were friends in the womb)on Halloween. We usually sit on th eporch with either alcoholic drinks and/or hot drinks. That all depends on the weather. We sit there until the kids are odne trick or treating and get caught up.
Posted by: Denise | October 20, 2009 at 05:00 AM
Pumpkin carving contests or hayrides!
Posted by: mjb | October 20, 2009 at 06:58 AM
Thanksgiving, hands down. This year we're hosting.
Posted by: Lessa | October 20, 2009 at 06:58 AM
My favorite Holiday is Thanksgiving.
However, what I love about Halloween parties is the chance to make amazingly creative and fun non-alcoholic drinks. I drink alcohol, but, when I was asked to make up fun drinks for a party of that was mostly good Muslims, I discovered how unnecessary alcohol is to having a good time.
Haunted Bar:
http://metahara.livejournal.com/221092.html
try this "Roasted Tastiness" dip w/the cheesy crackers:
http://metahara.livejournal.com/417999.html
Posted by: Thomai in L.A. | October 20, 2009 at 07:55 AM
tweeted http://twitter.com/annedoggett/status/5053156025
jedoggett@embarqmail.com
Posted by: Annette D | October 21, 2009 at 02:44 PM
my friend hosts a chili cook off which is so much fun this time of year!
Posted by: linda | October 21, 2009 at 05:23 PM
blogged
http://givemeagiveaway.blogspot.com/2009/10/pepperidge-farmblogher-giveaway.html
Posted by: linda | October 21, 2009 at 05:23 PM
A favorite Fall get-together would B the upcoming Halloween Party on Halloween with all the kids dressed up in their costumes, and all the great treats.
Posted by: Randy Bailey | October 21, 2009 at 06:07 PM
We have so many reasons to host get togethers right now:
1. Housewarming Party (My boyfriend’s buying his first place- he signs today!)
2. Pumpkin Carving Party
3. Tree Trimming Party (with my annual traditional German dinner)
4. Football!!
5. Game Nights – especially now that it’s getting chilly, we’ll have a lot of these.
Posted by: Lost Girl | October 22, 2009 at 08:46 AM
Fall fest at our friends house - football, food & a bonfire to gather round. Nothing better than that!
Posted by: Kristen Mantovani | October 22, 2009 at 12:36 PM
Obviously, Thanksgiving is my favorite fall get-together. But I really like hosting poker night at our house. With the weather getting cold, I still like to have an excuse to see our friends.
Posted by: Candace | October 24, 2009 at 08:10 PM
My fav. fall get together is thanksgiving dinner!
Posted by: Rachel P. | October 24, 2009 at 08:43 PM
Your crab dip sounds amazing-- I can't wait to try it out--with some of those cheesey crackers!
Posted by: Adventures of Alice | October 25, 2009 at 11:34 AM
Thanksgiving is our favorite, hands down. With everyone living all over the country, it's the only time we can get the whole family together. Not to mention, the food is fabulous.
Posted by: savvymomfinds | October 26, 2009 at 07:32 AM
We love to get together to watch college football games- love to eat chili, cheeses, chips and desserts. Love to tailgate too.
Posted by: JenniferB | October 26, 2009 at 04:47 PM
*tweet*
http://twitter.com/3CATSAND1DOG/status/5187593085
Posted by: Rachel P. | October 26, 2009 at 05:19 PM
The nghborhood has a Fall Party where we all get together and bring our favorite dishes. It is a lot of un and I love trying everyone's dishes.
Posted by: Carolyn G | October 29, 2009 at 11:50 AM
tweeted http://twitter.com/carogonza/status/5266015225
Posted by: Carolyn G | October 29, 2009 at 11:50 AM
blogged http://theartofrandomwillynillyness.blogspot.com/2009/10/pepperidge-farm-baked-naturals-cheese.html
Posted by: Carolyn G | October 29, 2009 at 11:51 AM
My favorite fall get together would have to be the family Ohio State vs. Michigan football party! We load up on all kinds of food and watch football all afternoon!
Posted by: Matt | October 29, 2009 at 11:53 AM