Puttin' On The Ritz!

The Maine House is all abuzz! I believe there is going to be a gathering....a celebration....ssshhh! Although I cannot reveal the "when, who, where or why", trust me that it is on the horizon...I can feel the excitement and the anticipation in the air! Maine is a fantastic state to visit, especially during the summer months. It is rather exciting to plan daily and weekend adventures for first time visitors! So, in order to be prepared, I am gathering recipes and organizing menus.

A Maine House Mosaic

 I think it must also be time to create a new summer wreath for The Maine House front door which will welcome visitors. Don't you just love walking up to someone's front door where there is a lovely, opulent handmade wreath to draw you inside?

I Just Love This!

I think the color of your front door and the wreath which you display, reflects your personal style and speaks volumes about your personality! Anyway, I digress. In case you too are expecting visitors or celebrating a special event in your life, then try these out and I think you will find they are keepers! Ya'll enjoy...and celebrate those special moments in life!

Estelle's BLT Appetizer

8 ounces cream cheese, softened

1 cup sour cream

1 cup yogurt, Plain

1 cup mayonnaise

1 cup cooked crumbled real bacon

4 green onions, chopped finely

1 large tomato, seeded and chopped

3 cups shredded cheddar cheese

 Combine cream cheese, sour cream, yogurt, and mayo.  Mix well.  Stir in bacon, onion, cheese and tomato.  Serve with Ritz crackers and pita chips.

Estelle's Warm Blue Cheese and Bacon Dip

7 bacon slices, chopped

2 garlic cloves, minced

 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened

1/3 cup half-and-half

4 ounces crumbled blue cheese

2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives

 3 tablespoons chopped walnuts, toasted

Grape clusters 

Sliced baguette and Ritz crackers

Cook chopped bacon in a skillet over medium-high heat 10 minutes or until crisp. Drain bacon, and set aside. Add minced garlic to skillet, and sauté 1 minute.


Beat cream cheese at medium speed with an electric mixer until smooth. Add half-and-half, beating until combined. Stir in bacon, garlic, blue cheese, and chives. Spoon mixture evenly into 4 (1-cup) individual baking dishes.


Bake at 350° for 15 minutes or until golden and bubbly. Sprinkle evenly with chopped walnuts, and serve with grape clusters and a sliced baguette and Ritz crackers.