PIZZA DIP
A layered, hot cheesy dip with all of the great pizza flavours including pizza sauce, cheese, pepperoni, olives and green peppers.

Servings: 8

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients
4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
1/4 cup sour cream
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup mozzarella, grated
1/4 cup parmigiano reggiano (parmesan), grated
1 cup pizza sauce
1/2 cup mozzarella, shredded/grated
1/4 cup parmigiano reggiano (parmesan), grated
2 ounces pepperoni, sliced
2 tablespoons green pepper, sliced
2 tablespoons black olives, sliced

Directions
Mix the cream cheese, sour cream mayonnaise, mozzarella and parmigiano reggiano and spread it across the bottom of a pie plate.
Spread the pizza sauce on top and sprinkle on the cheese, pepperoni, green pepper and olives.
Bake in a preheated 350F oven until the cheese has melted, bubbling and golden brown, about 20 minutes.

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CHOCOLATE COVERED STRAWBERRY FOOTBALLS

Ingredients
16 ounces milk chocolate chips + 2 tablespoons shortening or vegetable oil
1 lb of fresh strawberries with leaves
white icing
No. 1 piping tip + pastry bag OR a plain old plastic baggie
Toothpicks
Wax Paper
Styrofoam

Directions
Insert toothpicks into the tops of the strawberries.
If you have a melting pot that works but you certainly don’t *NEED* it though – you can use a double boiler or even any plastic bowl + microwave.
Melt the chocolate + shortening, stirring often until smooth. (I recommend adding vegetable oil or shortening a little at a time, as needed to get the right consistency).
Once you have the consistency you want, grab the strawberries by the toothpick and dip into the chocolate mixture.
You can then place them on wax paper to cool or if you don’t want the “puddle” you can turn the strawberries upside down and insert the toothpick into a piece of styrofoam.
Wait til cool/hardened.
To decorate, fill pastry bag with white frosting and use #1 tip to draw laces.  If you don’t have any cake decorating tools, you can simply spoon some frosting into a plain plastic baggie and snip one corner!

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TACO CUPCAKES

Ingredients
1 lb ground beef or turkey
1 packet taco seasoning
2/3 cup water
1 can black beans, drained
2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
36 wonton wrappers
your favorite taco toppings – salsa, cheese, sour cream, lettuce, tomatoes, etc
cooking spray

Directions
Preheat oven to 375.
Brown the meat in a skillet and drain off fat (I use a collander). Return the meat to the skillet; add the taco seasoning, water and black beans.  Mix and simmer for 5-10 minutes, until water is absorbed.
Spray 18 regular muffin pan cups with cooking spray.  Place one wonton wrapper in each muffin cup.  Divide half of the taco meat between muffin cups.  Sprinkle half of the cheese over the cupcakes.  Repeat layers – wonton, taco meat and cheese.  Bake at 375 for 20 minutes, or until cheese is bubbly.  Top with your favorite taco toppings.

Houston Rockets’ Terrence Williams threw down one of the nastiest dunks I’ve seen in awhile. Feels soooo good to have the NBA back.

The holidays are just around the corner and everyone has a a female in their life that they’ll be shopping for. If you’re on a tight budget these gift ideas are perfect for you because they’re all priced at $25 and under.

Note: Anything from ASOS is particularly attractive because they offer free shipping no matter how big or small the purchase is.

More Asos…

New music from Drizzy….hot!!!

LOL did yall pay close attention to that application though?

Have you ever been convicted of a crime? *checks yes*

If yes please describe in full.  Misunderstanding

Haaaa! Delonte’s crazy ass is somem else.

Still don’t think I’ll be purchasing a Fiat or shopping at Kohl’s anytime soon but sheesh, Jennifer looks good!

J. Cole is the topic of nearly everyone’s discussions this week with the drop of his first album Cole World: The Sideline Story, which is absolutely dope by the way! This super talented newcomer sat down with Rolling Out magazine and spoke on his first encounter with Jay-Z…

On his first encounter with Jay-Z:

I graduated from St. John’s University. At the time, all of my friends got nine-to-five jobs and were making $30,000 to 40,000 per year. I was working at a newspaper in Queens making $8 per hour at a part-time job so that I could still do music at night. I heard that Jay-Z was recording the American Gangster album. That same night, I made two beats and I thought it would be perfect for Jay-Z. I went to the studio where Jay-Z was recording and I waited outside for three hours. His Phantom finally pulled up. I was super timid and shy. I had the CD in my hand and I tried to hand it to Jay-Z. He looked at it and said, What is this? I don’t want that. Give it to one of those other guys. It was crushing. That was another moment. But I snapped back to reality. I knew after that, I had to go harder. That type of rejection fuels me. I believe that greatness is fueled by rejection. Michael Jordan was cut from his high school basketball team; Jay-Z had trouble getting a record deal before Reasonable Doubt; and no one wanted to sign Kanye West as a rapper.

On how his new album reflects him as a person:

This album speaks to the type of artist I want to be. I think the album will provide thought provoking lyrics, and heartfelt stories. I want to take listeners on a ride. It shows the type of balance that I want to have as an artist. I want to be at the top of the list when it comes to rap. I want the respect of the hip-hop fans and connoisseurs. I want to be on everybody’s list. [Source]

Visit RollingOut.com for the rest of the interview.

Haaaa! I came across this knife set and thought it was hilarious. Would make a great gift for a friend who recently went through a break-up. They come in several colors: red, silver, pink or black.

Depending on the color, they range in price from $39-$70. You can purchase HERE.

Marty Mar just recently signed a deal with CBS to create a new comedy show that he will star in. To me this good news if he taps into the greatness that was Martin but if it’s anything like  some of his new stuff I’m not all that psyched.

Rihanna‘s new video, Cheers (Drink to That), is a compilation of behind the scenes footage of Rihanna in her everyday life. I don’t care for the song too much because I think it highlights how much of singer Rihanna is NOT but I do like the video alot. It’s very relatable and she seems super down to earth.

On another note, anyone else think this video seems veryyyy similar to Chris Brown‘s Beautiful People? Hmmmm

Jay-Z and Kanye West known collectively as The Throne pulled off a seemingly impossible task, getting their project to the release date without any leaks. Watch The Throne was released on iTunes at 12am last night with the full CD packaging accompanying the download.

Did anyone download it yet? Thoughts?

Big Sean was arrested the other night after his concert in upstate New York. According to reports, after Wiz Khalifa and Big Sean, whose real name is Sean Anderson, wrapped up their concert, a female fan alleged that Sean and another man, Willie Hansbro “forcibly touched” her.

Police are currently withholding details regarding the case but did confirm that Big Sean and Willie Hansbro were both arrested but posted the $500 bond. The two are due back in court in NY on September 6.

Forcing the cuddy huh? I hope these allegations are false, Big Sean is just finally starting to pop off.

If you’re anything like me, summer after summer you’re constantly looking for something to do within the state of New Jersey. I decided to put together a guide of fun things to do including concerts, cookouts, comedy shows and other activities  so that we all have an enjoyable summer. Check back often because I’ll continue updating it as I find new things.

ALL SUMMER LONG

SOUNDS OF THE CITY – @ NJPAC – Newark, NJ
Thursdays 5pm -10pm (June 23 – August 25)

This FREE concert summer series is always a favorite each summer. Live music, drinks, food and vendors make this a wonderful after-work event on Thursday nights.

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MOVIES UNDER THE STARS – @ Pier A Park – Hoboken, NJ
Wednesdays @ 9:00pm (June 15 – August 24)

Grab your lawnchairs, blankets and picnic baskets and head over to Pier A park in Hoboken to enjoy a movie outdoors. They’ve got some great flicks lined up:

June 15 – True Grit

June 22 – The Fighter

June 29 – Breakfast at Tiffany’s

July 13 – The King’s Speech

July 20 – The Social Network

July 27 – Waiting for Superman

August 3 – Wizard of Oz (8:30 start)

August 10 – Despicable Me (8:15pm)

August 17 – Tangled (8:00pm)

August 24 – Toy Story 3 (8:00pm)

The only bummer about this is that alcohol is strictly prohibited so be sure to pregame in your car. (Responsibly of course.) Get there early because space is limited. And did I mention that it’s FREE!!

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ESSEX COUNTY MINI GOLF SAFARI – West Orange, NJ
Open Daily

Go check out the new multi-million dollar mini golf course next to the Turtle Back Zoo. Complete African theme throughout the park. Excellent date idea! $7 for adults and $5 for the kiddies.

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DELSEA DRIVE-IN MOVIE THEATRE – @ Vineland, NJ
Thursdays – Sundays

So who’s watched Grease and secretly wished for a drive-in movie theatre that they could go to themselves? Well now here’s your chance. Apparently Delsea Drive-In Movie Theatre has been around for awhile but I’m just now hearing about it. They’ve got an extensive food menu and offer double-features. More info HERE.

JUNE

MUSIQ SOULCHILD CONCERT – @ House of Blues – Atlantic City, NJ
Saturday, June 11th @ 8:00pm

Find tickets HERE.

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RANDY FOYE FOUNDATION CELEBRITY FUNDRAISING CRUISE – @ Skyport Marina – New York, NY
Saturday, June 18th @ 7:00pm

Ok so technically this doesn’t take place in Jersey, however, all proceeds will benefit children in or around the Newark area. LA Clippers guard, Randy Foye along with Hot 97′s Peter Rosenberg are hosting this shindig. $50 a ticket. More info HERE.

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NBA DRAFT – @ Prudential Center – Newark, NJ
Thursday, June 23rd @ 7:00pm

Watch  Kyrie Irving and the rest of the new class of NBA players get drafted into the league. Tickets starting at just $16.50. Find tickets HERE.

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SADE and JOHN LEGEND CONCERT
Friday, June 24th @ IZOD Center, East Rutherford, NJ – 7:30pm

Saturday, June 25th @ Prudential Center, Newark, NJ – 8:00pm

Two great artists. Definitely going to be a great concert! Find tickets HERE.

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STATE FAIR MEADOWLANDS – @ Giants Stadium Fairgrounds – East Rutherford, NJ
June 24 – July 10

Who doesn’t like going to the fair? More info HERE.

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R. KELLY w/ KEYSHIA COLE and MARSHA AMBROSIUS CONCERT – @ Prudential Center – Newark, NJ
Thursday, June 30th @ 7:30pm

Underage girls, please stay at home for this one.

Find tickets HERE.

JULY

FOXXHOLE COMEDY JAM: JAMIE FOXX, ARIE SPEARS & EARTHQUAKE – @ Caesars – Atlantic City, NJ
Friday, July 1st @ 8:00pm

MUST SEE! Jamie Foxx is hysterical!! Find tickets HERE.

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ERYKAH BADU CONCERT – @ House of Blues – Atlantic City, NJ
Saturday, July 2nd @ 8:00pm

Find tickets HERE.

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MEEK MILL CONCERT – The Stone Pony – Asbury Park, NJ
Friday, July 17th @ 8:00pm

Part of The Stone Pony Summerstage series. Tickets are $30. Find tix HERE.

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RIHANNA with J. COLE and CEE-LO GREEN – @ IZOD Center – East Rutherford, NJ
Thursday, July 21st @ 7:30pm

I’m not completely sure if Rihanna has stepped up her performance skills yet but nonetheless she’s hot, J. Cole is super dope and Cee-lo is bound to be wearing something ridiculous. Find tickets HERE.

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WIZ KHALIFA CONCERT – @ MAC at Monmouth University – West Long Branch, NJ
Friday, July 29th @ 6:30pm

Roll your doobies up for this one. Find tickets HERE.

AUGUST

NICKI MINAJ AND BRITNEY SPEARS CONCERT – @ IZOD Center – East Rutherford, NJ
Friday, August 5th @ 8:00pm

For all you barbies out there lol. Find tickets HERE.

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JANET JACKSON CONCERT – @ PNC Bank Arts Center – Holmdel, NJ
Saturday, August 6th @ 8:00pm

You already know how Janet gets down in concert. For sure to be a crowd pleaser. Find tickets HERE.

LA Clippers guard, Randy Foye, is hosting a 5k race through his Randy Foye Foundation to benefit the Children’s Hospital’s at Beth Israel in Newark, NJ where is originally from.

The race will take place this Sunday 6/5/11 at Branch Brook Park in Newark. There will be prizes, food, entertainment and giveaways! You can participate with a minimum donation of $25 that you can make HERE.

We here at GFD think is for a great cause and support all those who are actively trying to make a difference. Kudos to Randy Foye!

I’m very sorry to share this news but Christopher Meloni aka Detective Elliot Stabler announced that he will not be returning to Law & Order SVU due to not being able to reach an agreement with Universal Media Studios.

Ahhhhhhhh! How sad is this? Detective Stabler makes that damn show. *teardrop* Mariska Hargitay will be returning however. That’s cool I guess.

And um did anyone else know that he was 50 years old? Sheesh, he’s a hottie old head.

….that’s what R. Kelly‘s former entourage member, Demetrius Smith Sr., is saying in his new book, The Man Behind the Man which will release this summer. Here’s an excerpt…

“I think she’s pregnant’ he said, in a voice that sounded as if he wanted to burst out in tears. ‘Oh man, Rob’ was all I could say at the time. Derrel McDavid arranged for a car to pick Aaliyah up at O’Hare airport and she had a hotel room available on arrival. This was crazy! How were we going to get through this without causing ill feelings with Barry Hankerson.

‘How you gone marry Aaliyah Rob?’ I asked in bitter sadness. I wanted him to relinquish his idea on how that was going to happen.”

Makes sense to me, I always did wonder why the hell she married that dude.