It’s hard to miss that Super Bowl LIII (53) is fast approaching. Perhaps you’ve noticed a bit of hype, even if only to spot the football-themed paper plates at the big box, or soft drink displays made to look like goal posts. Yes, Sunday is the big day. I confess, I’ve moped since Jan. 20, when neither conference championship game — which determined Super Bowl contenders — went my way. It put me in a bad mood for far longer than a grown-up should admit to. That said, even without the Saints to pull for, I still recognize that Super Bowl Sunday is a great time for a gathering of friends or family. It’s a perfect excuse for grazing the afternoon away as we give the season a proper send-off — and check out what the Clydesdales have been up to.
Just as on the gridiron, there are always winners and losers when it comes to party snacks. It’s been fun rounding up what looks like a roster of savory game day winners you may want to try out.
In addition to the recipes below, here’s an extra nibble — Parmesan cheese crisps from mashed.com. Put piles of fresh grated Parmesan cheese (about 1 tablespoon each) on a baking sheet covered in parchment paper. Bake at 450 F until golden and crisp. Keep an eye on them; they start to brown fast after about five minutes. If you want to add extra flavor, top the cheese with thinly-sliced jalapenos, dried herbs, garlic powder or cooked bacon bits before baking.
No team in the hunt Sunday? Never mind — enjoy the eats, commercials and company. And remember, there’s always next year.
TRISHA YEARWOOD’S CHEESE BOAT
Total time: 50 minutes (20 active)
Makes 10 servings
1 loaf French or Italian bread
Two 8-ounce packages cream cheese, at room temperature
10 ounces sharp cheddar, grated (about 2 1/2 cups)
6 ounces corned beef, finely chopped
1 bunch green onions, finely chopped
1 medium tomato, finely chopped
1/2 red bell pepper, cored, seeded and finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
Large corn chips, for serving.
(Source: 31daily.com; recipe adapted from “Home Cooking with Trisha Yearwood”/Clarkson Potter 2010)
SMOKED GOUDA-CHORIZO JALAPEÑO PEPPERS
Prep time: 20 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Makes 24 poppers
2 links Mexican chorizo, casings removed
1/2 pound smoked gouda, shredded
1/4 cup finely chopped red onions
1 egg
1/2 cup cream cheese
3 tablespoons sour cream
1 tablespoon hot sauce
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
12 large jalapeno peppers, stemmed, seeded and halved
(Source: foodnetwork/Sunny Anderson)
WONTON TACO BITES
Prep time: 15 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Makes 36 servings
1 package square wonton wrappers
1 pound ground beef or chicken or 3 cups beans Or even a mixture of both
2 tablespoons taco seasoning
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Desired toppings: avocado tomato, onion, sour cream, etc.
(Source: amindfullmom.com)
JALAPENO POPPER FOOTBALL CHEESE BALL
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 2 minutes
Makes about 30 servings
16 ounces cream cheese softened
8 ounces grated/shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/4-1/3 cup chopped green onion divided
1/2 cup diced pickled jalapenos extra, as desired
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Pinch of salt
3 slices of bacon
1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
2-3 tablespoon fresh parsley
2-3 fresh jalapenos (approximately 1/4 cup finely chopped)
1 slice mozzarella or white cheddar cheese
(Source: peasandcrayons.com)
Jan Swoope is the Lifestyles Editor for The Commercial Dispatch.
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