When we think of Super Bowl Sunday, most of us think of consuming really good food, especially appetizers. (While the players are burning tons of calories we are consuming them.) I have gathered 4 easy and yummy appetizers from my friends that are perfect for Super Bowl Sunday. They will produce almost as many cheers and applause as the game itself. (I guess that's going a little overboard.)
Cowboy Caviar
The first one is an appetizer using Cowboy Caviar. My friend Debbie Trammell, Newport Beach, recently brought it over to my house for a party. Here's what you'll need:
A jar of Cowboy Caviar Salsa (Trader Jo's)
A block of cream cheese
A bag of Corn Tortilla Scoops (Tostitos)
It's pretty self explanatory, but you cover a block of cream cheese with the Cowboy Caviar and use the Scoops to scoop it up. (My niece, Caroline Cox Brantley, Panama City Beach, FL. told me about another great topping for cream cheese called "Pickappa" Sauce. You can find it at World Market, Walmart and online (like everything else under the sun.) The best one for cream cheese is the original sauce.
Artichoke Green Chili Dip
The second appetizer is one I got from Debbie Hogan, Newport Beach. Debbie is totally a gourmet cook, so I wasn't surprised when I tasted this one and loved it! Here's what you'll need:
1 (14 oz.) can of artichoke hearts
2 (8 oz.) cans of diced green chilies (drained)
1/2 cup of mayonnaise
1 cup of shredded parmesan cheese (reserve 1/4 cup to sprinkle on top before baking)
(Opt.) 1/2 a small pkg. of chopped spinach, defrosted and thoroughly drained and dried. (I personally am not a huge spinach fan, so I like the appetizer without this.)
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a small casserole dish.
2. Using food scissors, (Not the kind you cut construction paper with.).cut the artichokes into small chunks and mix everything together well. Or blend all the ingredients in a food processor until mixed but still chunky.
3. Pour into baking dish. Top with 1/4 cup of parmesan cheese. Bake 20 minutes or until bubbly.
4. Serve hot with crackers, tortilla chips or fresh veggies. The Pickett's use these gluten free crackers called "Mary's". They are very "seedy" and super healthy. You can get them at Whole Foods or some grocery stores (in their gluten free section.)
The Best "Ranch" and Veggies
The third appetizer is just ranch dip and vegetables, this is a great appetizer for those of us who are "attempting" to be on a low carb diet. The best ranch dip mix is the Hidden Valley "Dressing" mix instead of their "Dip" mix. My sister, Courteney, in Malibu, always has this around and ready to use.
I use it all the time as a dip and a dressing. And oh, it's awesome when you mix in crumbled blue cheese! It's extra good when you put it in the freezer for a bit. (Don't forget it's in there. Oopsie) On that note, have you noticed that restaurant salads taste so much better? Their trick is chilling it all: plate, lettuce and dressing.
You Gotta Have a Sweet One
The fourth yummy appetizer is a sweet one that I also have at my sister, Courteney's. It's simply goat or Borsin cheese put on a cracker and topped with Dalmatia fig jam. You can get this jam at World Market. Super delicious! Bonne Maman also makes a fig jam. (Many grocery stores carry this.)
HAPPY SUPER BOWL SUNDAY!
*Other than these appetizers there are two totally delicious ones that I have already shared. Just go to the navigation bar at the top of this page and hit 4 ingredient recipes or scroll down to the posts called "It 's All About the Cheese" or "Better Bruschetta".
