Blog Posts by Heather W. at Better Homes and Gardens

It's that time again -- Girl Scout Cookie season! The first official Girl Scout cookie was a sugar cookie, introduced in The American Girl magazine in 1922. Through the years, Girl Scout-licensed bakeries have churned out a wide array of cookie varieties. To herald this annual tradition of goodwill, girl power, and guilty pleasures, BHG.com has put together utterly subjective Girl Scout Cookie Personality Profiles for your delectation. See if they resonate with you, and dish with us in the comments about your favorites!

Looking for more sweet inspiration? Click on over to BHG.com for blissful brownie recipes, rich and creamy cheesecakes, and luscious cupcake recipes.

Trefoils
Shortbread cookie in the shape of the official Girl Scout trefoil logo
You don't chase trends -- you stick with what's classic. You keep things simple, cherish your family traditions, and can probably knit a scarf. You like to entertain, and whether throwing a casual BBQ or a dinner party for 8, you pull it off

With 10 Best Picture nominees, this year's Academy Awards ceremony is going to be long - a marathon of stars, speeches, and stylist misfires. Whether you relish every montage and weepy podium moment or spend the 3 + hours mentally counting down the days 'til baseball season, any Oscar viewing experi

There's no such things as a free lunch, but there is such a thing as a free sample! While we at BHG.com would never advocate abusing the privilege of seasonal promotions, special offers, and free goodies, if the opportunity arises to benefit from corporate goodwill, why not enjoy it? Here are some of the delicious ways you can enjoy munchie-based marketing:

(In the mood to share the freebies? Whip up one of these blissful chocolate or vanilla desserts -- your family and friends will be begging for seconds.)

Free Pancakes
Today is National Pancake Day! In honor of this momentous occasion, on Tuesday, February 23, from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., IHOP serves up free short stacks of buttermilk pancakes with an equally sweet disclaimer: "All we ask is that you consider making a donation to support local children's hospitals through Children's Miracle Network, or other local charities." Altruism and free pancakes -- they just go together.

Free Cookies
According to a recent New York Times article,

Ancient Greeks allowed condemned men to enjoy multi-course feasts, providing them with sustenance -- and liquid courage -- for their trip to the afterlife. The ritual of the last meal persisted in some form or another throughout medieval Europe, eventually infiltrating western culture -- today, most U.S. penitentiaries grant death row inmates a final dish of their choosing. I took a look at some famous (and infamous) historical figures' last meals -- some consumed with knowledge of their coming demise, others unexpected...

(This got me thinking: If I had one final dish to choose, would it be? After considering the options (Mom's lasagna? Nobu's black cod? The Colonel's buttermilk biscuits?) I finally landed on a good roast chicken pictured, deliciously, above. Looking for a great dinner idea for tonight? See BHG.com's irresistible & easy pizzas, all-time favorite chicken recipes, and elegant steak dinners.)

Cleopatra
Despondent over the death of her husband Anthony, Cleopatra

A good friend of mine lives in Los Angeles, and recently she was asked out by an attractive gentleman she met at her local dog park. He said that he would love to take her out that coming Saturday for a...olive oil tasting. The date never happened -- for a variety of reasons -- but it occurred to me that olive oil, a humble cooking staple, has achieved a culinary cult status formerly reserved for fine Bordeaux or Beluga caviar. In a tight economy, many would be hard-pressed to splurge on designer EVOO (extra-virgin olive oil), but we decided to take a look at some of the more revered -- and pricey. Plus, we've matched these tippity top-end bottles with budget-friendly varieties paired with great BHG.com recipes.

For more olive-oil friendly cooking inspiration, check out our latest recipes, creative chicken salads, and fast weeknight meals.

Fattoria Montecchio ($38)
This is a traditional Tuscan olive oil with a smooth nutty flavor. Harvested, produced, stored, and bottled in a four

Finding the perfect restaurant in which to woo a fledgling sweetheart isn't easy - and choosing one on Valentine's Day can throw even the most romantically savvy off their game. It's a fine line between upscale and stuffy, inventive and intimidating, casual and just plain cheap. Just in time for V-Day, here are seven ways to tell you might just be in the wrong restaurant for your date - and some suggestions for choosing the right one.

For stress-free dining the comforts of your own home, try BHG.com's Romantic Food & Wine Pairings. End the night on a sweet note with our decadent Valentine's Day Desserts. (Got a really great original dessert for two? Enter our latest MixingBowl.com contest!)

1. The Hostess Wears Prada (Your Date Wears Crocs).
If you're dating someone who inevitably pulls on a pair of cargo shorts for a night on the town, you might want to bypass formal, jacket-required establishments. But don't retreat to your local cafe! With the recent trend toward 'upscale comfort

The Super Bowl is aptly named -- for many of us, this day is really all about food. Whether you're an unabashed epicure who serves up handmade foie gras tartlets or a laid-back host who considers opening a can of salsa an adequate entertaining effort, any Super Bowl party is better with tasty finger foods. To help inspire your Sunday afternoon culinary efforts, we've compiled the most delicious -- and quick -- football-watching favorites from BHG.com and MixingBowl.com just in time for kickoff!

For even more tasty ideas, check out our Quick & Easy Party Foods and Warm & Cheesy Appetizers collections, or share your own greatest hits in our Top Super Bowl Snacks group.

In the great pantheon of Super Bowl Sunday snacks, dip is up there next to chicken wings and pigs-in-a-blanket. Dip is easy to prepare and share, you needn't bother with utensils, and, what's more, the crunchiness off fresh veggies, crackers, and chips helps work out everyone's aggression. Whether you're rooting for the Colts or bleeding black and gold for the Saints (or if you're mostly just excited for all the mid-day snacking) BHG.com shares four delicious dip recipes that take just 10 minutes to prepare.

Get the rest of your game plan together with BHG.com's Best Game-Day Snacks, hearty Slow-Cooker Appetizers and Top-Scoring Tailgating Recipes.

1. Savory Party Dip


Be ready for kickoff with this creamy Savory Party Dip featuring hints of garlic and green onion. Serve with seeded crackers, spicy pepperoncinis, and your favorite olive mix. Note: While double-dipping is not recommended, with this recipe it might be inevitable!

2. Smoked Salmon Dip

This decadent Smoked Salmon