We found some of the most delicious recipes ever, that are sure to leave your guests more than satisfied.

Double Bacon Cheeseburger Dip

This baked dip can be served with either tortilla chips or bread and has all the flavors of a double bacon cheeseburger.

http://www.closetcooking.com/2012/01/bacon-double-cheese-burger-dip.html

Crescent Pepperoni Roll-Ups

Made with canned crescent rolls this easy to make recipe is a nice change from your usual pizza.

http://www.plainchicken.com/2011/12/crescent-pepperoni-roll-ups.html

BLT Pasta Salad

This recipe takes all the flavors from a BLT sandwich and puts them into a pasta salad.

http://abirdandabean.blogspot.com/2011/06/blt-pasta-salad.html

Baked Buffalo Chicken Dip

Bypass the mess of hot wings but still get all the flavor with this baked dip.

http://foodwishes.blogspot.com/2012/01/baked-buffalo-chicken-dip-dont-bet.html

Sweet and Sour Meatballs

This easy recipe uses a crockpot and only 3 ingredients to make.

http://www.ourbestbites.com/2010/02/sweet-and-sour-meatballs-easy/

Blooming Bacon Cheddar Ranch Bread

This pull apart bread combines 3 of the best ingredients ever into loaf of bread.

http://cuckooking.blogspot.com/2012/01/blooming-bacon-cheddar-ranch-bread.html

Football Cake Pops

By the 4^th quarter your sweet tooth will be craving some dessert. Satisfy it with some football shaped cake pops.

http://bakedwithloveandbutter.blogspot.com/2010/02/football-cake-pops.html

1.) De-Clutter your closet

At the beginning of the year turn all your clothes hangers backwards. After you wear and wash the items put the hangers back as you normally would. By June donate any clothing with a hanger still hanging backwards.

2.) Save Energy and Save Money

If you haven’t yet, switch out your light bulbs for CFL bulbs. If you don’t want to do the entire house at once, make a schedule to change all the bulbs out in one room each month.

3.) Change your HVAC Filters

Determine the type and amount of filters you need for each return. Buy a year’s worth of filters at one time. Mark your calendar to switch them all out once a month or quarterly, depending on the manufacturers recommendations.

4.) Do Projects a Little at a Time

List the top 12 projects that need to be done in your home. Assign one to each month and complete them as the months go by.

5.) Create a Weekly Cleaning Schedule

Create a weekly cleaning schedule that you can completed in less than 30 minutes each day Monday through Friday giving you the weekends to worry about anything but cleaning.

Monday- Vacuum house thoroughly, occasionally vacuum curtains and vents (25-30 minutes depending on house size)

Tuesday- Dust entire house. Occasionally wipe down furniture with polish. (15-20 minutes depending on knick-knack amount)

Wednesday- Clean bathrooms in the front of your home including toilets, mirrors, tub shower and floors (25-30 minutes)

Thursday- Clean bathrooms in the back of your home including toilets, mirrors, tub shower and floors (25-30 minutes)

Friday- Clean kitchen, including mop the floor, wipe down counters and appliances, scrub out sink (15-20 minutes)

The other key to making this successful is to maintain the house daily by picking up things immediately and putting them away and sorting mail as it comes in.

6.) Paint

A fresh coat of paint not only makes a room look better but allows you the versatility to easily change the décor of a room. Choose a room to do every other month. By the end of the year your whole house will look totally new.

7.) Learn to Do It Yourself

Many small home projects are easy enough to do yourself, all you have to do is learn how. There are many tutorials online and most larger home improvement stores like Home Depot and Lowes offer free or very low cost classes teaching. Doing it yourself will not only save you some money but give you some self satisfaction once the project is done.

8.) Turn off Your Lights

An easy way to start saving energy right away at no cost to you is to simply turn off your lights. When you leave a room turn the lights off. Also instead of using multiple lights at a time in a room just use the light you need. If you’re in your family room reading, turn on a lamp nearby instead of using all your recessed lights above.

Forty West Builders is excited to announce the grand opening of our newest community, Legacy Farms in Westminster, MD.

This cul-de-sac community with rich heritage is nestled among rolling hills and breathtaking farmland that Carroll County is known for. Located just outside of Westminster, homeowners will be able to enjoy fresh country air the moment they step outside their home yet still be situated close to fantastic urban amenities and major travel routes.

The 1-3+ acre homesites offer homeowners stunning views and the ultimate in tranquility.  Whether you are looking for an expansive gourmet kitchen that opens to a cozy family room or you have a flair for the dramatic with soaring two story spaces flanked by picture windows,  you will be sure to find exactly what you are dreaming of in one of our 9 distinct floorplans, all of which can be personalized to meet your desires. Whatever luxury or convenience you are dreaming of, we can make it come true at Legacy Farms.

For over three decades Forty West has prided itself on attention to detail and superior craftsmanship, Legacy Farms is more of the same.  Homeowners will be pleased to find every Forty West home includes an extensive list of included features,  such as stone or brick front exteriors, side entry garageswith carriage style doors, gourmet kitchens with maple cabinets and  granite countertops, solid hardwood flooring through most of the main level, luxury baths with designer ceramic flooring, custom moldings, gas fireplace with custom crafted surround,  2 zone high efficiency heating and cooling and  much more.

Come visit us! Our information center located on Sullivan Road is open daily from 11am-6pm. For more information please call Amy Schejbal at 443.671.7550. You can also view our site plan, photos and available floorplans here.

Beginning Saturday, August 6^th and continuing through the following Saturday, August 13^th, the Howard County Fair Grounds will be filled with patrons enjoying music, exhibits, rides, food and vendors. The Fair will be open daily from 8 am-11pm and admission is $5 for those ages 10 and up, $2 for seniors (except for Tuesday, August 9^th when seniors 62 and up can enter for free) and children under the age of 10 are free.  Additionally on Saturday, August 6^th all visitors with a Military ID will receive free admission for themselves as well as their spouse and any children under the age of 18.

Entertainment Schedule

Saturday, August 6^th, 7:30-9:00pm- The Back Pages Band (Rock)

Sunday, August 7^th 12:30 pm-Baltimore’s Marching Ravens

5:30 pm- King Street Bluegrass Band

7:30 pm- Sean Collins and the Backbeats (R&B/Soul)

Monday, August 8^th, 7:30 pm-9:00 pm- Jay Henley & Stone Broke Band (Country)

Tuesday, August 9^th, 7:30 pm-9:00 pm- Big Cam and the Lifters (Oldies)

Wednesday, August 10^th, 7:30 pm-9:00pm- Whitehouse Effect (Rock)

Thursday, August 11^th, 7:00 pm- Armature Variety Talent Show

7:30 pm- 9:00 pm- Browingsville Cornet Band

Friday, August 12^th, 7:30 pm-9:00 pm- Ritchie Fields (Country)

Saturday, August 13^th, 7:30 pm-9:00 pm – Tori Anderson& Possum Holler (Blues/Country/Rock)

Ride Schedule

Saturday and Sunday- Noon-11pm

Monday, Wednesday and Friday- 3pm-11pm

Tuesday and Thursday- 1pm-11pm

Ride Specials
Both Saturdays- Pay One Price $15 Ride (Sold from Noon til 4 pm)
Pay One Price $20 (after 4pm til 8pm – Good til closing)
Sunday – Pay One Price $18 (Sold from Noon til 4pm- Good all day)
Monday/Wednesday/Friday – Pay One Price $18
Tuesday – Pay One Price $12
Thursday – Dollar Ride Day- Rides $1 each all day long

Daily Events
Ag Judging: Beef & Dairy Cattle, Sheep, Swine, Rabbits, & Poultry
Home Arts: Baked Goods, Fruits & Vegetables, Candies, Farm Crops,
Wood working, Photography, Fine Arts & much more.

Additionally you can enjoy entertainment, a petting zoo, pony rides, lots of delicious food and local county businesses on display.

From Baltimore take I-70 West to exit 80. MD route 32 South to MD route 144 West to Fairground Road.

From DC take I-95 North to exit 38b MD route 32 West to MD route 144 West to Fairground Road.

From Frederick take I-70 East to exit 80. MD route 32 south to MD route 144 West to Fairgound Road.

MOre information can be found here

We hope everyone is keeping cool in this heatwave we’re having. We have a few delicious popsicle recipes you can make at home. If you have any of your own, we would love to hear them!

Basic Ice Pops

-1 (3 ounce) package fruit flavored gelatin mix

-1 unsweetened, flavored soft drink mix package

-1 cup white sugar

-2 cups boiling water

-2 cups cold water

Dissolve gelatin, soft drink mix and sugar in boiling water. Stir in cold water and pour into popsicle molds or small plastic drinking cups. Freeze until hard. (If using plastic drinking cups, freeze until firm, insert popsicle sticks, then freeze completely.)

Honeydew Lime Popsicles

-1/4 cup superfine or regular granulated sugar

-1/4 cup water

-1 (3 1/2-lb) ripe honeydew melon, peeled, seeded, and cut into 1/2-inch pieces (4 cups)

-2/3 cup fresh lime juice

Dissolve sugar in water by stirring if using superfine or by heating in a small heavy saucepan if using regular granulated (then cool).Blend half of melon and half of lime juice in a blender until smooth. Add syrup and remaining melon and lime juice and purée until smooth. Force purée through a fine-mesh sieve into a 2-quart glass measure or bowl, pressing on solids and then discarding them.Pour mixture into molds and freeze until slushy, about 2 hours.Insert sticks, then freeze Popsicles until completely hardened, at least 6 hours.

Coconut Pineapple Popsicles

-1 1/2 cups cold 2% milk

-1 can (8 ounces) unsweetened crushed pineapple

-1 can (6 ounces) unsweetened pineapple juice

-1 teaspoon coconut extract

-1 package (3.4 ounces) instant vanilla pudding mix

-14 plastic cups or Popsicle molds (3 ounces each)

-14 Popsicle sticks

In a blender, combine the milk, pineapple, pineapple juice and extract; cover and process until smooth. Pour into a bowl; whisk in pudding mix for 2 minutes. Pour 1/4 cup into each cup or mold; insert Popsicle sticks. Freeze until firm

Strawberry Yogurt Pops

-2 cups fresh or frozen strawberries
-1 cup plain yogurt
-1/2 cup granulated sugar

Puree in blender then place into paper cups and freeze, insert sticks when partially frozen and continue to freeze until they harden (Overnight is good).

Fudge Pops

-2 3 oz. packages chocolate pudding mix (not instant)

-3 1/2 cups milk
-1/4 cup granulated sugar

Combine ingredients in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Remove from stove and allow to cool for 15-20 minutes.Pour mixture into plastic cups or popsicle molds and freeze until solid.Note: If the sugar is not added, the fudgsicles will have large ice crystals and won’t be smooth.

Vanilla Pops

-2 c. milk
-2 tbsp. sugar
-1 tbsp. vanilla
-Sm. paper cups
-Popsicle sticks

Combine milk, sugar and vanilla in a large bowl and stir until sugar dissolves. Pour mixture into the paper cups until they are half full. Put popsicle sticks in the cups for handles.Freeze in freezer for about four hours.

Chunky Peach Popsicles

1 1/4 pounds ripe peaches, (3-4 medium), halved and pitted

-Juice of 1 lemon

-1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice

-1/4 cup sugar, or to taste

-1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Coarsely chop peaches in a food processor. Transfer 1 cup of the chunky peaches to a medium bowl. Add lemon juice, orange juice and sugar to taste (depending on the sweetness of the peaches) to the food processor. Puree until smooth. Add to the bowl with the chunky peaches and stir in vanilla. Divide the mixture among twelve 2-ounce or eight 3-ounce freezer-pop molds (or small paper cups). Freeze until beginning to set, about 1 hour. Insert frozen-treat sticks and freeze until completely firm, about 1 hour more.

It’s no secret we love celebrating food holidays. Today, July 6^th is National Fried Chicken Day. Celebrate this essential American food with some of the unique recipes below:

Old Bay Fried Chicken

-3 pounds chicken parts

-1 egg

-2 tablespoons water

-1 cup flour

-1/4 cup Old Bay Seasoning

-2 cups vegetable oil

Wash chicken and pat dry. In a large bowl, beat egg and water. Mix flour and Old Bay in plastic bag. Dip chicken in egg mixture, then shake in flour mixture (a few pieces at a time). Discard any remaining flour mixture. In a large skillet, heat oil on medium. Fry chicken about 15 minutes per side or until golden brown. Drain on paper towels. Sprinkle chicken with extra Old Bay for bonus flavor.

Honey Fried Chicken

-1 (4 pound) whole chicken, cut into pieces

-salt and pepper to taste

-1/2 cup honey

-1 tablespoon garlic powder

-1 packet chicken bouillon granules

-2 cups all-purpose flour

-1 quart vegetable oil for frying

Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then coat each seasoned chicken piece with honey. In a shallow dish or bowl, mix together the garlic powder, chicken bouillon granules and flour. Dredge honey coated chicken pieces in flour mixture, coating completely.Fill a large, heavy skillet with oil to a depth of one inch. Heat over medium-high heat. Fry chicken for at least 5 minutes per side, until no longer pink and juices run clear

Coconut Fried Chicken

-1 pound skinless boneless chicken breast, cut into strips

-2 eggs

-1 1/2 cups flour

-1 1/2 cups bread crumbs

-1 1/2 cups coconut, shredded

-1 tablespoon pepper

-2 dashes hot sauce

-peanut oil

Heat oil in a large pan. 350 Degrees. Place flour in a resealable bag, add pepper and bread crumbs. In a separate resealable bag, add coconut. In a bowl, add eggs and hot sauce, beat well. Cut chicken into strips. Add chicken to coconut, making sure chicken coated. Then add chicken to the flour, making sure chicken coated. Then add chicken to the egg mixture, coat well. Then add chicken to flour, coat well. Add chicken to oil. Add a few chicken strips at a time (cook in batches). Cook chicken until brown. Remove chicken from pan and place on paper towel line dish

Buttermilk Fried Chicken

-2 c. all-purpose flour
-1 tbsp. salt
-1 tsp. paprika
-1/2 tsp. pepper
-1 c. buttermilk
-1 tsp. baking powder
-3 lb. chicken breast & legs
-Vegetable oil

Combine first 4 ingredients in a plastic or paper bag. Shake to mix and set aside. Combine buttermilk and baking powder in a bowl; mix well. Dip 2 pieces of chicken in buttermilk mixture. place chicken in bag and shake to coat. Repeat procedure with remaining chicken. Place chicken in a shallow pan. Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour. Heat 1 inch of oil in a large skillet to 325 degrees. Add chicken and fry 30-35 minutes or until golden brown, turning once. Drain chicken on paper towels.

Spicy Fried Chicken

-2 c. water
-2 tbsp. hot sauce
-6 chicken breast halves, skinned & boned
-1 c. self-rising flour
-1 tsp. garlic salt
-1/2 tsp. pepper
-1 tsp. paprika
-1 tsp. red pepper
-Vegetable oil

Combine water and hot sauce. Pour over chicken breasts, marinate 1 hour in refrigerator, turning once. Combine flour and next 4 ingredients. Remove chicken from marinade and dredge each piece in flour mixture, coating well. Heat 1 inch of oil in large skillet to 350 degrees; add chicken and fry 5 to 6 minutes on each side or until golden brown

Fireworks were first documented in the 7^th century by the Chinese who used them to frighten away evil sprits with their loud sound and to pray for happiness and prosperity. Today they are typically used for celebrations and most notably for holidays like New Years Eve and the 4^th of July. As dusk arrives next Monday the skies all over Maryland will be lit up with beautiful sprays of color. Below are some of the best places you can go to watch a spectacular fireworks show:

4^th of July Festival and Fireworks-Columbia, July 4^th ­

This annual celebration held at the Columbia Lakefront includes live entertainment, food vendors and carnival crafts and games. The festival starts at 5 pm and fireworks start at 9:30 pm. Parking is free and the raindate for fireworks only is Tuesday, July 5^th. http://www.howardcountymd.gov/News/News_20100617.htm

Carroll County Farm Museum July 4^th Celebration-Westminster, July 4^th

This celebration, which includes music entertainment, children’s games, food and crafts for sale is held annually at the Farm Museum in Westminster. Fireworks, which can be seen from the Farm Museum and Hospital located across from the farm museum, will begin at 9:30 pm. http://ccgovernment.carr.org/ccg/farmmus/docs/july4-event.pdf

Baker Park-Frederick, July 4^th

Starting at noon on July 4th, attendees can enjoy children’s activities, a chili cook off contest, pie eating contest, musical entertainment and more. Fireworks will begin at dusk in the Carillon area of the park. http://celebratefrederick.com/

Inner Harbor-Baltimore, July 4^th

Live music will play throughout the day in the Harborplace Amphitheater at Light and Pratt Streets until fireworks begin at 9:30 pm on July 4^th.  http://www.promotionandarts.com/index.cfm?page=events&id=42

Montgomery County Fair Grounds-Gaithersburg, July 4^th

This 4th of July celebration sponsored by WASH-FM includes a concert that starts at 7 pm and fireworks at 9:30. http://www.gaithersburgmd.gov/poi/default.asp?POI_ID=309&TOC=307;309;&id=5075

Montgomery College-Rockville, July 4^th

Live entertainment will begin at 7 pm with fireworks beginning at 9:30 pm. Food vendors will be available and additional parking is available at the Rockville Town Center. http://www.rockvillemd.gov/news/2011/06-june/06-15-11b.html

Fort Meade, July 4^th

Children’s rides, food vendors, DJ music and live music will begin at noon with fireworks at 9:30. More info can be found at http://ftmeademwr.com/events/July4th.php

Gaylord National Resort- National Harbor, July 3^rd

This event on July 3^rd includes live music performances, food and drink concessions, a wine and cigar garden for adults, a kids zone with rides, games, carnival activities, face painting, clowns, balloon animals and caricatures. Fireworks begin at sundown at 9:30 pm. Tickets are available in advance and expected to sell out. If you just would like to watch the fireworks in the area they can also be seen from Oronoco Bay Park, Founders Park, Waterfront Park, Pomander Park, Jones Point Park and Belle Haven Country Club.

We hope everyone has a safe and fantastic 4th of July holiday! Where is your favorite place to watch fireworks for the 4th?

We understand that your pet is much more than just a pet, they’re an important part of your family. The homes we build and the communities we build them in are built for not just the humans who will reside in them but their animals too. That’s why we launched our “Pets of Forty West” pet photo contest. One lucky pet will win a $200 gift card to PetSmart. To enter head over to our Facebook page (or click here) and upload a photo of your pet into the entry form. The winner will be chosen by the most votes received by the Facebook community starting July 9^th-31^st

If you have ever wanted to make some homemade treats for your pets it’s easier than you thought. Check out some of the recipes below:

Dog Treats

Frozen Doggie Treats

-1 tbsp honey

-3 tbsp peanut butter

-1 ripe banana

-16 ounces plain yogurt

Mix the peanut butter, honey, and fruit together until well blended—mash with a fork or use the blender. Add the fruit mixture to the yogurt and mix well. Freeze in ice cube trays. Crack trays and release treats as needed!

Cheese Dog Treats

-1 ½ cup flour

-1 ¼ c grated cheddar

-1/4 cup vegetable oil

-4 tbsp water

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Cream the ingredients together, adding the water one tablespoon at a time to help bind the dough. When it begins to form a ball, roll it out on a floured surface, using cookie cutters, cut the dough into fun shapes and place on cookie sheet. Bake approx. 10 min. until lightly browned. Makes about 30 med. size biscuits

Meaty Crunchies

-1 large jar baby food (beef, turkey, chicken or veggie)

-1 egg

-1 to 1 ½ cups wheat flour

-1 cup wheat flour

Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Mix all ingredients together until firm. Roll dough on floured surface to 1/2″ thick and cut into shapes with cookie cutter. Place on ungreased cookie sheet and bake 45-60 minutes. Cool on rack and store in airtight container.

Cat Treats

Cat Crackers

-6 oz undrained tuna

-1 cup cornmeal

-1 cup flour

-1/3 cup water

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Measure all of the ingredients into a bowl and mix thoroughly with your hands. Roll out to ¼ inch thickness and cut into treat sized pieces.

Place on a greased cookie sheet. Bake for about 20 mins or until golden. Let cool.

Cheese Treats

-3/4 cup white flour

-3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese

-5 tbsp. grated parmesan cheese

-1/4 cup plain yogurt or sour cream

-1/4 cup cornmeal

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Combine cheeses and yogurt. Add flour and cornmeal. If needed, add a small amount of water to create a nice dough. Knead dough into a ball and roll to 1/4 inch. Cut into one inch sized pieces and place on greased cookie sheet. Bake for 25 minutes. Makes about 2 dozen.

Chicken Biscuits

-1 ½ cups shredded cooked chicken

-1/2 cup chicken broth

-1 cup whole wheat flour

-1/3 cup cornmeal

-1 tablespoon soft margarine

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Combine chicken, broth and margarine and blend well. Add flour and cornmeal. Knead dough into a ball and roll to 1/4 inch. Cut into one-inch sized pieces and place on an ungreased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Makes about 18 cookies.

Bird Treats

Sweet treat

-2 cups bird seeed

-1 egg white

-2 tsp honey

Mix the ingredients in to a bowl. Spray muffin tray with cooking spray, Bake in the oven for 1 hour at 250 degrees. Let them cool before serving.

Nutty Treat

-1/2 cup peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)

-1/2 cup shortening

-1/2 cup flour

-1 1/2 cup cornmeal

-1/2 cup cracked corn

-a handful of oilers (black sunflower seeds)

-a handful of safflower seeds

-plastic cups, containers, or pine cones

Melt the peanut butter and shortening. Add the flour and mix until evenly combined. Mix-in the cornmeal and the cracked corn. Sprinkle the oilers and safflower seeds into the mixture and combine. Remove mixture from heat and transfer to a plastic container or onto a pinecone. Refrigerate until ingredients have cooled completely (about 3 hours).

Do you have a recipe for pets treats you like to use?

Happy Corn on the Cob Day!!

My husband and I love our corn on the cob smothered with butter, sprinkled with Old Bay and then wrapped in aluminum foil and grilled to perfection for about 10-15 mins, I’m sure I’m not the first person to cook it like this but I consider it “Maryland Style”.

Here are some other variations I discovered:

-Cook then rub with a lime slice that has been sprinkled with salt and pepper.

-Pull back husks (but don’t remove) rub with olive oil, red pepper flakes and tangerine or pineapple juice, put the husks back and grill for 10-15 mins.

-Grill then spread on some BBQ sauce.

-Cook and add cayenne pepper and lime

-Spread mayo on uncooked corn and sprinkle with parmesan cheese. Wrap in foil and grill for 10-15 mins.

-Cook corn and spread with guacamole and spritz with lime juice

-Cook corn and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar

-Cook corn and spread with a mixture of melted butter, pesto and parmesan cheese

-Cook corn and spread with mixture of sour cream and chives

-Sprinkle with smoked paprika

-Cook and sprinkle on some Franks Red Hot Sauce and lime

What variations do you like?