For as long as I can remember, Super Bowl Sunday (for me, at least) has been more about delicious food and spending time with family than football... I am sure Chris would probably disagree with me on this one, as would many others with a Y chromosome in their DNA. I have so many fond memories of Super Bowl Sunday growing up. The whole family would get together at Grams' and Gramps' house, and there would be so much food and laughter that it made for an absolutely perfect day. Grams' and Gramps' are both gone now, may they rest in peace, but so many of us left behind carry on the traditions that they instilled within us. Small and insignificant as it may be, one of these traditions for me will always be celebrating the Super Bowl with food and family.
To be completely honest, I am not a huge football fanatic. I enjoy watching the "good" games- you know, the ones that aren't completely one-sided and are exciting to watch because it could be anyone's game right up until the clock runs out at the end of the 4th quarter. Hopefully, that is what we have to look forward to on Sunday!
In spite of the fact that my adoration for football falls far short of a die-hard fan, I AM excited to have an excuse to get in the kitchen and make some of my favorite appetizer/snack recipes that are perfect for these casual get-togethers. I am also excited to share some of my favorite recipes with you today, too! The two that I chose to post about are so delicious and addicting that they will surely be a hit if you decide to make and serve them at your own football gathering this weekend.
The first recipe I picked to share is Pizza Dip. I got this recipe from an old college roommate who is, still to this day, one of the best cooks I have ever met. (Hi Elizabeth!) Every time I make it, this dip gets devoured and everyone is asking for the recipe for it. I always share. It's just too good not to. Plus, it's quick and easy to throw together, and you can either bake it or prepare it in the slow cooker to take with you on-the-go.
Pizza Dip
- 2 8-ounce blocks cream cheese, softened and at room temperature
- 1 1/2 cups pizza sauce
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheese (use your favorite)
- 1 cup miniature pepperonis
- 1 tsp. garlic powder -OR- 1/2 tsp. garlic paste
- 1/2 tsp. paprika
- 1 tsp. Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes (more or less to taste, depending on your heat preferences)
1. Mix all ingredients together in a medium bowl until well-combined. Either bake in a casserole dish at 350 degrees F until bubbly -OR- cook in the slow cooker on high till warmed throughout, then reduce heat to low or warm setting. Serve with French bread or tortilla chips.
The next recipe that I wanted to share with you today is a recipe for our almost-famous caramel corn. This stuff is straight addictive. I DARE you to eat only one handful... :)
Almost-Famous Caramel Corn (Recipe adapted from Paula Deen http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paula-deen/grandma-pauls-caramel-corn-recipe/index.html)
- 8 quarts popped popcorn, sprinkled lightly with salt and cinnamon
- 1 cup butter
- 2 cups brown sugar
- 1/2 cup light karo syrup
- 1 tbsp. cinnamon
- 1 tsp. salt
- 1 tsp. vanilla
- 1 tsp. baking soda
1. Place popped popcorn in a large, shallow roasting pan. Preheat oven to 200 degrees F.
2. In a large pot, over medium heat, melt butter. Mix in brown sugar, karo syrup, cinnamon, and salt. Bring to a boil and boil for 5 minutes. Remove from stove top and quickly stir in vanilla and baking soda. Mixture will foam, so be prepared!
3. Pour the caramel mixture over the popped popcorn and stir well to coat evenly.
4. Bake for 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes. Remove from oven and spread out on foil or wax paper to cool. Store covered in an airtight container.
This is seriously one of the most delicious things I have ever eaten. Everyone who has tried it gives it rave reviews, and they just love the layers of flavor found in this sweet treat. It is amazing what the addition of cinnamon and vanilla can do to an already delicious recipe by the lovely Paula Deen.
Here are a few other suggestions for recipes that would be great for this weekend's food lineup that are from older posts:
Peanut Butter Dream Dip
Peanut Butter Cup Blondies
Double Chocolate Mint Cookies and Cream Cookies
German Chocolate Caramel Brownie Bars
Slow Cooker Chicken Chili
Shredded Beef Sandwiches with Balsamic Slaw
Magic Cookie Bars
Hope you enjoy! Would love to hear feedback from any of you who make any of these tasty recipes this weekend! Who are you rooting for at your house Sunday?
Have a fabulous weekend all!
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