Jalapeno Popper Dip That ISN'T Hot! A Recipe Review

 

If you really love jalapeno dip, but find that it is just too hot and spicy or it does bad things to your tummy, you definitely need to try this recipe!  It is not hot, but it still has a full, delicious flavor and is always a hit at any party.  

Ingredients:

8 slices of bacon, crumbled

2  packages of cream cheese, softened

1 cup of mayonnaise

1 green pepper (if you like spicier but not hot) or 1 red pepper (if you prefer a more sweet taste) remove the stem, seeds and membranes.

1/4 cup sweet onion, diced

1 cup of mozzarella cheese, finely shredded

3/4  cup of cheddar cheese, finely shredded

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon dried basil 

Topping: (optional)

1 cup of crushed potato chips

1/2 cup Parmesan cheese

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Lightly spray an oven safe dish with cooking spray.  I use a pie plate but you could also use an 6 x 6 square glass baking dish.

Mix the cream cheese, mayo, basil, garlic powder and bacon until smooth. I use an electric mixer, on an ultra slow speed, but you can mix by hand as well.  I like a mixer because it makes the dip fluffier, but it is a matter of personal preference.

Add the rest of the ingredients one at a time, always stirring, save the pepper for last.

When the mixture is totally smooth place the dip in the sprayed baking dish.

If you are using topping, combine all the ingredients in a bowl and sprinkle over the top

Bake the dip for 25 to 30 minutes, until the dip is browned and bubbling.

Serve hot.

One of the best things about this dip is that it is still wonderful, even when it cools to room temperature.  I usually serve it with tortilla chips, but if you don't want to go in a Mexican direction, you can serve it with pita chips,  crackers or Fritos.

If you are not a fan of green peppers, you can also use sweet banana peppers instead or just about any pepper that you like the taste of.  If you would like a bit of zip, but you don't want the full heat of jalapenos, you can toss in one hot banana pepper and that will give it some zest.  Just don't forget to remove the seeds and membranes as that is where much of the heat is in peppers. 

If you like dips that are not hot, but still full of delicious flavor this is the dip for you!  There are lots of variations on this recipe, I have seen it with crab, pulled pork or shredded chicken.  I prefer bacon, because, well, EVERYONE loves bacon!!

I have served this dip at many parties and it never fails to impress.  Make sure to put a folded card next to the dish on the table that says 

Pepper Popper Dip - NOT HOT!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

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Book Review: Rich Blood by Robert Bailey

In this legal thriller, Jana Waters' husband was murdered on their boat dock and tossed into the water. She is being tried for murder. The victim was the well-respected Dr. Waters but for a variety of reasons there was a short list of folks in this small town who might have wanted him dead. She insists that Jason Rich, the ambulance-chasing injury attorney, represent her. 

While people are celebrating the 4th of July, no one hears the gunshots that kills Dr. Waters. The upcoming trial exposes how the mixing of affairs, alcohol, drugs, and debts can ruin lives, relationships and careers. 

The cast of characters in Rich Blood by Robert Bailey: 

Dr. Waters - A beloved small town doctor who also had some significant flaws as a husband. As a doctor, he'd been sued for a surgical mistake on the town's star football player; ending those college prospects and future career.  

Jana Waters - The pampered, emotionally volatile doctor's wife who lived in the nice house on the water, with her husband and children. She also owed a significant amount of money to her dealer.

Jason Rich - Jason returns to town at the request of his sister.  She asked him to be her defense attorney in her murder trial. After all, he was a successful attorney complete with billboards in the area that nobody could miss.  Billboards for accident and injury cases. Fresh out of rehab for his own addiction issues, he decides to return to the town he was glad to have left behind and agrees to represent her. It is his first time trying a criminal case. 

Waylon Pike - the criminal who was "by no means a criminal mastermind" claims that he was paid by the wife to kill Dr. Waters. Was he really stupid enough to brag about committing the murder or was that a part of framing Jana Waters?

I believe I've just discovered a new favorite author. As is often the case, I may be the last to know about a talented author. Robert Bailey is an award-winning, best-selling author whose specialty is legal thrillers. It is easy to understand Bailey's popularity as a writer with the character development. I was completely absorbed in Rich Blood and immediately began the 2nd book in the series.

Additional Links:

Rich Blood by Robert Bailey is available on Amazon. At the time of this writing, the book is rated at 4.4 stars from 45,000+ reviews. 

The author's official website:  www.robertbaileybooks.com 

photo attribution: Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license

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Five Minutes of Peace: The Story Behind the Lyrics

It began quietly, the way honest thoughts often do. Almost a follow-up from last week's intense article about self-discovery.

Tucked under the sheets at 3 a.m. last night, phone glowing in the dark, I opened the notes app and started typing. 

I wasn't planning to write anything. I just felt the words pressing in, asking to be let out before sleep could claim them. What came through felt urgent, reflective, and very real — something that needed to be written exactly as it arrived.

At first, the tone felt somber. The questions were heavy. But as the writing continued, something shifted. Without forcing it, a sense of lightness began to weave its way in. Not denial, and not false optimism — just the reminder that even intense questions can exist alongside hope.

These lyrics became Five Minutes of Peace.

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Verse One: Are We Being Tested?

The first verse explores a thought many of us have had in our quieter moments — the feeling that life might be some kind of test. As if unseen forces are watching, placing bets on how much we can handle before we crack, adding weight to already full lives just to see what happens next.

It's not a comfortable idea, but it's an honest one. When challenges stack up without pause, it's natural to wonder whether endurance itself is being measured. This verse lingers with that discomfort rather than rushing past it.

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Verse Two: Did I Choose This Life?

The second verse shifts perspective and asks a different question altogether. What if this life wasn't assigned to us? What if we chose it?

Here, the idea of being an angel on a grand expedition comes into play — willingly stepping into a difficult life for the sake of growth or learning. And then, midway through, I realized just how exhausting that choice feels. There's a hint of humor in the self-awareness, a moment of wondering what we were thinking, and the very human desire for an intermission.

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Verse Three: Is This Karma?

The third verse turns toward karma — the belief that life may be about balancing energies and settling accounts. Are we here to clean up what came before? To answer for past actions, past choices, or even inherited weight we didn't personally create?

This verse doesn't offer judgment or certainty. It simply acknowledges the possibility and complexity of understanding why life unfolds as it does.

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The Chorus: Peace for Everyone I Love

The chorus opens outward. The five minutes of peace being asked for isn't just personal relief — it's a moment that includes my children, my family, my friends, and the wider world all at once. True peace, for me, only exists when the people I love are safe, and when the world they move through feels calm as well.

It's a utopian idea, and I'm aware of that. But that's what makes it meaningful. For five minutes, darkness is defeated not because it's ignored, but because it isn't touching anyone. There's no need to send good vibes or wish things better — everything already is. For those five minutes, everything is right, everywhere, all at once.

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The Ending: Letting Go of the Labels

By the end, the need for answers softens. The lyrics don't land on being a misfit, an angel, or a soul working through karma. Instead, they arrive at something simpler and more forgiving.

I'm just a girl here to learn — from the love, the chaos, the beauty, and the drama that come with being human. No cosmic labels required. No final explanations needed.

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Why I Shared This

This lyric video holds contrast. It asks heavy questions without becoming heavy itself. It allows seriousness to exist alongside brightness, intensity alongside hope. That balance reflects how the lyrics came to life — in the quiet of the night, shaped by curiosity rather than certainty.

Sometimes, five minutes is all we need.

And sometimes, writing it down at 3 a.m. is enough to remind us that we're not alone in asking why life gives us so much to carry.

_____________________

50 Years of My Poems and Lyrics are on Amazon, Where Available.

*********************

🎵 ©DragedaPoemsLyrics (B.T.C) - Original Lyrics. | Licensed Digital Composition (Commercial Rights Held) for Music and Vocals

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Weiman Cook Top Cleaning Cream Review

 Last month, I reviewed The Best Cookware for a Glass top stove. Now, I'm reviewing Weiman cooktop cleaning cream for a must-have spotless stove top.

We have been using Weiman cooktop cream since we got a glass-top stove. After cooking a delicious but messy meal, you know the struggle of spills and greasy splatter. This product has definitely earned a spot in our kitchen, keeping our glass-top stove clean and shiny. 

Weiman cooktop cream is designed specifically for glass and ceramic stovetops, making it effective at tackling the most common problem: burnt-on residue.

One of the biggest concerns of glass-top stoves is scratching. The formula is gentle enough to protect the surface while delivering a thorough clean and shine.

You can buy Weiman with cleaning pads or simply use paper towels to apply it. We prefer using the cleaning pads; they work better for us. It's easy to use, just apply the cream, then wipe with a paper towel.

Here is our stove top after cleaning it with Weiman. Tip: One thing we have learned is to let your stove top cool before trying to wipe it clean. For a really tough, burnt-on spill that just won't clean up, I use a razor blade to carefully, gently scrape it off. Weiman Cook Top Cream leaves a glossy finish that makes your cooktop look new.

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Weiman Glass Cooktop & Stove Top Cleaner Kit, Removes Grease & Burnt-On Food, Safe for Gas, Induction, Electric Cooktops & Air Fryers, Streak-Free Shine, Includes Stove Scraper & Scrubbing Pad, 10 ozBuy Now

 

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Best Gifts for Puppies Reviewed

We recently brought home a puppy and immediately started buying puppy appropriate gifts for the little fellow.  

One might think immediately of puppy food and a dog bed when you first get a puppy.  Of course, we did bring home a puppy bed and food.  However, we immediately realized he needed teething toys.  We started with one that we knew would be a wonderful toy since our adult dogs have always loved them.  But, let me tell you, one is not enough!  He currently has 8 teething toys that he has in various locations.  The one he prefers apparently depends on his mood.  

For training, we also needed Milk-Bone biscuits, Mini Pure Bits (liver) and Quaker Apple Cinnamon Rice Crisps.  Our vet recommended the rice crisps years ago because of their lower calories.  A lot of treats are required for training!

A fleece blanket also makes a great gift!  My mother purchased our little puppy a Christmas fleece blanket that he received immediately.  He loves that blanket!  Most often, he lays on it on our leather couch, but he can drag it down to the floor when desired to make a impromptu bed.  

We already had a ramp, which the puppy will use as an adult to "walk" himself up into the back our our SUV.  It is extremely important to start that training early by placing the ramp against a couch and letting them naturally climb it to get onto a couch.  We discovered the hard way that an adult dog may be afraid to climb a ramp regardless of offered treats. 

A doorway gate may not "feel" like a great gift idea.  However, I assure you, not only are you protecting your furniture and home decor, you are protecting the puppy from cords or falling items after he runs into an end table.  I'm sure you get the idea.  We can't watch them constantly, therefore, they should not run free through an entire home heedless of potential dangers.  Puppies are full of energy and running is exactly what they prefer to walking. 

Believe it or not, I would also suggest Johnson's Baby Shampoo for a puppy's gift.  Again, that was also recommended by our vet for a puppy.  

A few weeks home and these are the "gifts" for puppy that we have found essential.  With Christmas upon us, it seemed like the best time to recommend gifts for puppies (or dogs) if they happen to be on your gift list too.   

All of the above mentioned gifts are featured below and linked to either a previous review or to a store for purchase. 

 

Puppy Chew Toys Make Great Gifts

As I said, these toys will most likely become what you want to get first and continue to add to the collection over time.  You realize quickly that your furniture, bedding, beloved stuffed animals, and even your skin need to be protected from puppy chewing and teething.  The best way to prevent damage is to offer a chew toy that is made for that purpose.

35 years ago, our first puppy turned our kitchen chair legs into gnawing posts.  While it is funny to recall now when my husband refers to the puppy "toothpicks", it was definitely not funny when it happened. 

Of course, you still must train yourself to say "no" since puppies, like any baby, will continue to test your patience and tolerance.  Having a desirable option is in everyone's best interest.

With human babies in mind, I bought a few teething toys that can go in the freezer to make a cold chew toy for our puppy. 

We have always been familiar with the Kong products and know from experience that they are fabulous.  However, my cousin brought Watson (our puppy) a Outward Hound bone.  He loves that bone!  Therefore, I would highly recommend it too. 

 Previously Reviewed ~ Kong Wubba for PuppiesClick to Read the Review Outward Hound by Dogwood Jack Durable Dog Chew Toy, Bacon Scent, LargeCheck Price Petstages Cool Teething Stick for Dogs - for Teething Puppies - Freezable for Added ReliefCheck Price KONG Puppy Goodie Bone - Stuffable Toy for Small Puppy - Natural Rubber Chew for Puppies - Toy for TeethingCheck Price

 

Treats for Puppies

We all like special treats for the holidays. Puppies may not recognize special days of the year, but we do and we like gifting our baby dogs with special treats for special occasions.  Milk-Bone brand recognizes our desire for special treats and they make fun shaped dog biscuits just for the holidays.  Plus, a Christmas fleece blanket always makes a puppy happy and we appreciate the added Christmas "decor" in our home.

Our adult dogs have always appreciated their annual fleece blankets from their granny.  We use them year round in the cars, on hardwood floors, or wherever that little bit of comfort for our puppy is needed.  After all, we don't mind a touch of Christmas spirit throughout the year. 

 Previously Reviewed ~ Milk-Bone Holiday Biscuits Treats for Dogs and PuppiesClick to Read the Review PureBites Beef Liver for Dogs, 8.8oz / 250g - Value SizeCheck Price Christmas Blanket Holiday Fleece Throw Blanket for Couch/SofaCheck Price Quaker Rice Crisps, Apple Cinnamon, 3.52 Ounce, Pack of 6 (Packaging May Vary)Check Price

  

 

More Gifts for Puppies

I mentioned the necessities like the gate, the ramp and the shampoo for puppies.  For Puppy parents who do not have these items, they would be greatly appreciated.  The parents, themselves, may not recognize their importance until they start using them, but time will prove out how much they are truly needed.

 

 Previously Reviewed ~ Indoor Dog GatesRead the Review Comfort Expression Orthopedic Dog Bed for Extra Large Dogs 45x35 Inch, Waterproof Egg Crate FoamCheck Price HerCcreta wigge Dog Ramp for Car 63Check Price Johnson's Head-to-Toe Gentle Tear-Free Baby & Newborn Wash & Shampoo, Sulfate-, Paraben- Phthalate- & Dye-Free, HypoallergenicCheck Price

 

 

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