#BordenCheeseParty - Another House Party Hit!

A few months back I signed up for House Party, a website that sends you themed party kits (for free!) to help promote new items and generate buzz. Each month several parties are posted to the home page, members apply, complete activities to get product information out there and then hosts are selected. I was selected to host the #BordenCheeseParty, a Borden Cheese themed party to generate some buzz about their product line of sliced, shredded and block cheese. The catch?

Upon being selected you have 30 minutes to create a guest list and invite your guests via email (no Facebook invitations). I got my email address set during the last party and sent my invites out and solidified my spot as a host. A few weeks ago my Party Pack arrived in the mail, stuffed with 4 coupons for free cheese to use for my party, a nice spatula for the grill, reusable Borden branded shopping bags and cheese coupons for my guests as favors. To keep your party and host account in good standing, you must post reviews of the product and party pics. It doesn't get much simpler than that!

We we torn between a good 'ol fashion barbecue vs. a wine and cheese party. With the recent heat wave that has taken over the country and the smaller guest list, we opted for a barbecue. Ross is great on the grill, so it takes a little of the burden off of me. I made a Warm Beer Cheese Dip and served it with little frozen pretzel nuggets. These are available in the freezer section and a great little appetizer.  I also made a variation on this Bacon Cheddar Dip. See my spin-off below! We had both beef and turkey burgers, topped with Borden Cheese, of course. I also made a spin on this  The party was a great success and after feeding 10 people and providing beer (what good barbecue doesn't have beer?!), cost less than $100 to host.

I loved hosting for House Party. It was a great opportunity to get my friends together and spread word about a new product for minimal cost and effort. I enjoy writing honest reviews and snapping pics at my get togethers already. I've since applied to host several other parties and I'm waiting to hear back! If you're interested in hosting a party yourself, let me know and I'll refer you to join!

Abby's Healthified Bacon Cheddar Dip

Takes 20 min, serves 8.

Ingredients

• 4 green onions, sliced
• 2 cups lowfat shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup lowfat sour cream
• 1 cup lowfat plain yogurt, traditional or greek will work
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 8 slices turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 4 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Cook the bacon, set aside on paper towels to let the grease drain off. Once cool, crumble or chop up into small bits. Set aside.
2. Slice green onions.
3. In a small bowl, mix together sour cream and yogurt until blended. Stir in half of the cheddar cheese (keeping half for garnish), green onions, garlic powder, bacon and parsley.
4. Garnish top by sprinkling remaining cheddar cheese. Serve with crackers, pita chips, breadsticks, fresh vegetables, etc.

For a vegetarian option, try substituting bacon for Vegetarian Bacon Strips. Still short on BBQ-inspiration? Fear no more! Check out my Memorial Day BBQ - Recipes & Cocktails for a Crowd and 5 Ingredient Slow Cooker Pulled Pork posts!