Thank goodness the game this year was better than the blow out last year. I didn't really like either team at all but I was rooting for the SeaHawks - that ending was crazy! Up until the last minute of the game both teams were still thinking that they had a shot at being the Super Bowl Champions!
For last year's Super Bowl party (which was nicely decorated, unlike this year) and details on a hot dog bar, my famous mexican dip and cookie dough balls, click: here
We usually watch sports and host people in the basement but for most of the first half I was prepping appetizers/in the kitchen so everyone watched from the family room! Super Bowl food is always a highlight and this year we tried out some new recipes as well as some old favorites and had three crockpots going, it was pure food bliss…
Appetizers
Deviled Eggs & Jalapeño Poppers
Lil Weenies & Cheese Dip (Recipe Below)
Pretzel Bites (We also used the Lil Weenie cheese mixture for these)
Buffalo Chicken Dip (this was delicious and the recipe is also below)
The Main Event:
Mom's chili was served throughout the night
a hoagie tray from one of our favorite delis
Pasta Salad
Dessert
We had this cheerleader cake leftover from part of the groom's cake I had for Derek at the rehearsal dinner. I should have put it out during one of the Cowboys' playoff games but we were holding out hope.
You can see the whole cake: here
Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars (Recipe Below)
Peanut Butter Cup Cookies (My new favorite! Recipe also below)
Let's Get to the Recipes, Shall We?!
Lil Weenies & Cheese Dip
Ingredients:
1 package beef cocktail wieners
2 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1 cup beer
1 jar cheddar pasta sauce
1 teaspoon bottled hot sauce
1/2 teaspoon chili powder
Wieners Directions:
Heat the wieners at 400 degrees for 15-20 minutes
Sauce Directions:
Heat butter on low heat
Add in onion powder, garlic powder, beer, pasta sauce, hot sauce, chili powder
Stir everything together, heat through on a medium heat
Move the mixture to a small/medium crockpot - put on high until time to serve then low or off while serving
*Next time I make this recipe, I would probably try 1/2 cup to 3/4 cup beer to make it a little bit thicker
Buffalo Chicken Dip
This dip is definitely going to be a regular in our house - it is SO good.
Ingredients:
(2) 8 ounce packages cream cheese
(2) 12 ounce cans of chunk chicken
1 cup ranch dressing
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
frank's red hot sauce
tortilla scoops
Directions:
Set the cream cheese out to soften about 1/2 hour before making
Add the cream cheese to the pot and heat in the microwave (I did about 4-5 20 second intervals - this makes it much easier to mix)
Add the chunk chicken, ranch dressing and cheddar cheese - stir all these ingredients
Let this mixture cook on high - about ten minutes after starting, pour in 1/2 cup of frank's hot sauce (continue this every 15 minutes or so until your happy with the spiciness of the dip)
Cook the dip on high in the crockpot for about an hour or until it becomes creamy. Turn onto low until time to serve.
*Next time I would do between 1 cup - 1 1/2 cup of hot sauce - I did 2 cups this time and it was good but definitely had a kick to it, but still very delicious.
Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars
Ingredients:
1/2 cup butter
1 cup brown sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon baking soda
desired amount of chocolate chips (full size or mini - I just happened to have mini in my cabinet)
Directions:
Melt butter in microwave
Add brown sugar, vanilla and egg to butter
Combine dry ingredients in a separate bowl (flour, baking powder, salt, baking soda)
Add the mixture from the dry ingredient bowl gradually - probably in two parts
Pour mixture into a greased 9x9 pan
Sprinkle with chocolate chips
Bake at 350 for 20-25 minutes
*make sure to lick the bowl :) this batter is delectable
Peanut Butter Cup Cookies
This recipe is going to be my new "go to" dessert. They are so easy to make, but look like they take a little time. They are soft and delicious and unique.
Ingredients:
Betty Crocker peanut butter cookie mix
(comes in a bag on the baking aisle near cake mixes)
One egg
3 tablespoons oil
2 teaspoons water
One bag reese's peanut butter cup miniatures
Sugar for dipping
Directions:
Mix the cookie mix, egg, oil and water
Roll dough into a small ball, dip in the sugar and get a nice coating
Place the cookie dough ball in one compartment of a greased mini-cupcake tray
Continue until all dough is gone (makes about two dozen)
Bake at 375 degrees for 8-10 minutes
Place peanut butter cup in the middle of cookie right after removing from oven
Let cool then pop them out, store and enjoy!
A Couple Moments from the Game
Our great viewing group complete with Nash over there in the corner probably eyeing Stella's baby toys.
My little kitchen helper.
Stella's first Super Bowl - she's a big cuddle-er and it was almost her bedtime.
We try to pay extra attention to Nash because Derek and I both have always been super close to him. Here Derek is with both of the buddies.
Since I didn't like either team in the game this year, in the slightest bit, I had the same idea as Reese Witherspoon...
