Super Bowl snacks

Last night, after I watched my beloved Patriots clomp around the field like a bunch of inebriated farm animals and subsequently lose to the hated New York Jets, I softly wept. Not because of what I had just witnessed, but because of what I will miss out on now that my team did not make it to the big game – snacks.

I refuse to watch any other teams battle it out for the NFL crown, and I also renounce any desire for food stuffs that may be served on Super Bowl Sunday. With that said, for those of you very much looking forward to February 6, I wanted to share some of my favorite Super Bowl snacks (via cooksrecipes.com) so you can serve them to friends and family during the championship game.

I’ve outlined below a delicious three course Super Bowl meal. Kicking things off (pun very much intended) is an Artichoke & Parmesan dip that pares well with any sort of chips or breads. The main course features two American food staples combined in the form of a Cheeseburger Pizza. Lastly, dessert offers a chance to serve these incredible Butterscotch Blondies for those who find regular brownies feature a bit too much chocolate. Enjoy the food and the big game!

Artichoke & Parmesan Dip

Makes 16 servings or yields 2 cups.

Ingredients:

• 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 4 pickled jalapeño peppers, seeded and finely chopped
• 1 (6-ounce) jar marinated artichoke hearts, drain, reserve marinade
• 2 teaspoons Tabasco green jalapeño sauce
• Kosher or coarse salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Use a food processor with metal blade to finely grate Parmesan cheese. Add the cream cheese, mixing well. Transfer cheese mixture to a mixing bowl.
2. Chop jalapeño peppers in processor, add drained artichoke hearts and process just until coarsely chopped. Add artichoke/jalapeño mixture and the jalapeño sauce to cheese mixture. Mix well. If needed, add small amount of additional marinade to obtain desired consistency. Salt and pepper to taste. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
3. Serve with a variety of crackers or chips.

Tips:

• Add Jalapenos in Step #2 if you like a more spicy dip.

Bacon Cheeseburger Pizza

Makes 8 slices.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 pound ground beef
• 1 small onion, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 (1-pound) pre-baked Italian bread shell crust
• 1 (8-ounce) can pizza sauce
• 6 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled
• 20 dill pickle round slices
• 2 cups (4 ounces) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 cups (4 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Directions:

1. In a skillet, cook beef and onion until meat is cooked; drain, season with salt and pepper; set aside.
2. Place crust on an ungreased 12-inch pizza pan. Spread with pizza sauce; top with beef mixture, bacon, pickles and cheeses. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning.
3. Bake at 450°F (230°C) for 8 to 10 minutes or until cheese is melted.

Butterscotch Blondies

Makes 16 squares.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup butterscotch flavored chips

Directions.

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch square baking pan..
2. Sift together flour, baking soda and salt. Set aside.
3. In a bowl, with an electric mixer at medium speed, beat butter with sugar and brown sugar until fluffy. Add egg and vanilla and beat well. Gradually add dry ingredients, beating on low speed until thoroughly combined.
4. Spread batter in prepared baking pan. Sprinkle butterscotch chipes evenly over top. Bake 5 minutes or just until butterscotch is shiny and soft. With knife, swirl pieces into batter to create a marbled effect. Return to oven and bake 15 to 20 minutes longer, or until set. Cool on wire rack; cut into bars.

Matt Moretti is a Project Manager at Mom Central Consulting and still does not know what is happening with Tom Brady’s hair.

Mom Central