by David Maciel
Sponsored by Ray’s Food Place, Furber Plaza 
June is the official kickoff of summer out door dining. I recently made this appetizer for a backyard barbecue and it’s was a huge hit. I served it with plain crackers & cut veggies, like carrots, celery, cucumbers and broccoli for dipping. It’s excellent served warm or cold. I added bacon bits to mine.

Ingredients
• 10 ounce jar pepper jelly (use whatever heat level you prefer)
• 8 ounce block cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• ½ cup chopped green onions (divided use)
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup shredded pepper jack cheese
• ½ cup mayonnaise or sour cream
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½teaspoon paprika (optional)
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• Pinch of Cayenne pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350° F.
2. Heat up 10 ounce jar pepper jelly in a microwave-safe dish for 10-second increments until it is not so thick and can be spread over the cream cheese smoothly.
   Set aside.
3. In a pie dish (or similarly sized oven safe dish) add 8 ounce block cream cheese, softened to room temperature, 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese 1/2 cup of pepper jack cheese and 1/2 cup of mayonnaise or sour cream, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon paprika and 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt. Mix until smooth
   and combined.
4. Then stir in 1/4 cup green onions. Spread the cream cheese mixture so it is evenly spread out in the pie dish. Wipe the edges of the pie dish so it is clean from the cream cheese. Top the cream cheese mixture with the warmed pepper jelly so all of the cream cheese is covered.
5. Bake for about 7-8 minutes or until the dip is hot.
6. Top with the remainder 1/4 cup of the green onions.
7. Serve warm with your favorite dippers.

Blake Quinn O’Brien was born on April 10, 2022, to her loving parents, Kelly and Emily O’Brien, and her proud older brother, Madden. From the moment she entered the world with her beautiful dark hair and radiant spirit, Blake brought light and joy to everyone around her.

At 16 months old, Blake was diagnosed with Rubinstein-Taybi Syndrome. Through physical therapy, speech therapy, and the unwavering love of her family, Blake faced every challenge with remarkable strength, determination, and joy. She learned to walk just before turning two and a half years old and confidently expressed herself through sign language, always making sure her opinions were known.

In April 2025, Blake began preschool at Jefferson Elementary, where her bright energy and sweet smile quickly touched the hearts of those around her. She loved wearing her heart-shaped sunglasses, dancing to Taylor Swift, and asking for snacks of every kind. Blake had a special gift for turning ordinary moments into something magical. Her sweetness, charm, resilience, and loving spirit left a lasting impact on everyone fortunate enough to know her.

On March 20, 2026, just shy of her fourth birthday, Blake unexpectedly passed away. Though her time here was far too short, the love she gave so freely will remain forever in the hearts of her family and friends.

Blake is survived by her parents, Kelly and Emily O’Brien; her beloved brother, Madden; her grandparents; aunts; uncles; cousins; and countless friends who loved her deeply.

The O’Brien family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to everyone who helped honor Blake’s life and supported her celebration of life service. They are especially thankful for the overwhelming love, prayers, meals, flowers, and kindness shown by family, friends, and the community during this unimaginable time. Your support has brought comfort and strength to the family as they continue to carry Blake’s beautiful memory forward.

The family hopes everyone who knew Blake will continue to honor her through love, kindness, and compassion toward others. Blake brought joy wherever she went, and her life was a beautiful reminder that every person is worthy, special, and deserving of love. May her memory inspire others to spread joy, embrace differences, and lead with the same gentle light and unconditional love that Blake shared so naturally with the world.