That’s her…the stunning one with a stylish ease about her, a smile that goes on for days and a wicked sense of humor. This beautiful one is Courtney Fix. She has been Paula’s make up artist for nearly 4 years, and she is a dream. One of those girls who, IF I were 10 years younger, I might have hated in high school. Now, with the wisdom and confidence that “maturity” brings, I simply adore her. Aside from Jamie and Bobby, who else will throw a football with me during a lunch break? No one except Courtney. The thing is, neither one of the boys can also shape my eyebrows and talk mid-century lighting during the same lunch break. The total package? Yes, Courtney is it!

Courtney grew up in an Italian home in Syracuse, New York (thus the occasional dropped t’s). When not on the road with Paula, she lives just outside of New York City with her double “t” (tall and talented) husband, Bizz and their dog, Rasta. In Paula’s world there are often a myriad of different personalities in any given room at one time. I often marvel at how well Courtney can access them all so quickly. It must have something to do with her study of Anthropology at Florida Atlantic University. I wonder if that same anthropology degree has any relevance to the dead-on comedic impressions she can also do, my favorite being Bon Qui Qui working at King Burger. If you’re not familiar with the character, Google it. I don’t have to, because I can just ask Courtney to be her for me.

Why a story on a make up artist during big game week? If I didn’t give you a hint in the first paragraph, I will tell you now. Courtney loves professional football and she makes what she says is the best ever Super Sunday dip (Courtney’s Get Fixed Super Sunday Dip). She made it for the crew a month ago, on the set of Paula’s Best Dishes, and Paula said we had to make it available for you all to have for the game…it was THAT good! Packed with chicken and a fiery kick, it will fill you up at least until the halftime commercials.

I didn’t let Paula know I was writing about Courtney when I asked her why Courtney is so special to her. She looked at me sideways, like I had been living in a cave for the past 3 years, and said “I adore Courtney. She is so funny, she is loyal and she makes me look beautiful even on days when I’m not feelin’ so pretty…she’s my friend.” I feel blessed that Paula and I share the same friend. Enjoy Courtney’s dip and the game!

Courtney’s Get Fixed Super Sunday Dip

Ingredients:
2 lbs. boneless skinless chicken breasts, poached and shredded
1/2 cup hot Sauce, (Courtney uses Frank’s Hot Sauce)
1/2 cup blue cheese dressing, (Courtney uses Marie’s Blue Cheese Dressing)
4 oz. Cheddar cheese, grated
4 oz. Monterey Jack cheese, grated
Salt and pepper
4 oz. blue cheese, crumbled

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350ºF.
In a medium mixing bowl, stir together the hot sauce, dressing, Cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack cheese just until combined. Salt and pepper to taste. Gently fold in the shredded chicken and pour mixture into a casserole dish that has been sprayed with a non stick cooking spray. Top with blue cheese and bake until cheese is melted and bubbly (approximately 30 minutes). Serve with tortilla chips or a crusty bread.

Servings: 4-6
Prep Time: 15 min
Cook Time: 30 min
Difficulty: Easy