Snack your way to the Super Bowl

Maya Horton 
Staff Writer

Are you more a fan of the food than the game?  Do you find yourself throwing Super Bowl parties for the sake of the snacks?  With the big day right around the corner you’ll need to start planning your snacks; here are some edible items that are sure to be crowd pleasers.

Hummus

This chickpea dip is super easy to make.  Most ingredients are easily found in the pantry and the overall preparation time is a mere 15 minutes. Paired with either pita chips or vegetables it is sure to be a crowd pleaser.  

You'll need: A mesh strainer or colander, blender/food processor, silicone spatula, measuring cups and spoons.

Makes about 1 1/2 cups worth.

Ingredients

• One 15-ounce can of chickpeas, also called garbanzo beans
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, about 1 large lemon
• Half of a large garlic clove, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for serving
• 1/2 to 1 teaspoon kosher salt, depending on taste
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 2 to 3 tablespoons water
• Dash of ground paprika for serving

Directions

Open can of chickpeas, drain liquid then rinse well with water.  Add half of the chickpeas to the food processor then add the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, cumin and the salt. Process for 1 minute. Scrape sides and bottom of bowl, add remaining chickpeas and process for 1 to 2 minutes or until thick and smooth. Scrape the hummus into a bowl then drizzle about 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the top and sprinkle with paprika.

Refried Beans and Cheese dip

This can be its own meal.  Beans and cheese are simple and delicious to eat while watching the big game.  An alternative would be to pour it over the tortilla chips in a nacho style, but any way it’s presented will be delicious.

Makes about 5 cups worth.

Ingredients

• 2 cups shredded monterey jack cheese
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 can refried beans
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 package cream cheese, softened
• 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
• chips

Directions

In a bowl, combine cheeses; set aside two cups for topping. Add beans, sour cream, cream cheese and taco seasoning to the remaining cheese. Transfer to a greased 2-qt. baking dish; sprinkle with reserved cheese. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 20-30 minutes or until bubbly around the edges. Serve warm with tortilla or pita chips.

Hot Buffalo Wings

These wings are sure to make you the favorite friend in the group regardless of who you root for. While it sounds intimidating making quality chicken wings is simpler than completing your math homework. Double check the oven mitts you decide to use however, having a hole in one of these crucial items can lead to a world of hurt.

You’ll need: oven mitts, kitchen shears or a knife, cooking pan and a large bowl

Makes 24 wings.

Ingredients

• 12 whole chicken wings( or you can also buy pre-cut wings)
• 3 ounces unsalted butter
• 1 small clove garlic, minced
• ¼ cup hot sauce
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt

Directions

Set oven to 375 degrees

Remove the tips of the wings and discard or save for making stock. Using kitchen shears, or a knife, separate the wings at the joint.  If you bought the pre-cut wings you can skip to the next step.

Place wings on a baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes.  Remove from oven, flip wings, and bake for another 15 minutes.

While the chicken is cooking, melt the butter in a small bowl along with the garlic. Pour this along with hot sauce and salt into a large bowl and stir to combine.

Remove the wings from the oven and transfer to the bowl and toss with the sauce. Serve warm.

Mini Crescent Dogs (pigs in a blanket)

Munch on the mini pig skins that have become a snack time tradition.  With just two ingredients and minimal work these are by far the easiest and most satisfying snack to make. And good thing too, because chances are they’ll run out fast.

You’ll need: Baking sheet, precision with a knife.

Yields 48 crescent dogs.

Ingredients

• 2 cans (8 oz. each) Pillsbury™ refrigerated crescent dinner rolls
• 48 cocktail-size smoked link sausages or hot dogs (from two 14-oz packages)

Directions

Heat oven to 375 degrees.  Unroll the two cans of dough.  Cut the individual triangles into three lengthwise triangles each.  Roll the mini hot dogs in the triangles starting from the fatter end.  Place on ungreased baking sheet.  Bake 12 to 15 minutes or until golden brown, switching position of cookie sheets halfway through baking. Immediately remove from cookie sheet. Serve warm. 

Yogurt Banana Split

This recipe is a fun twist on a classic dessert. This fun, colorful, minimal effort dessert that is sure to delight.  If you want to get really creative with it use food coloring in the yogurt to match your team.

You’ll need: Spoons, sundae bowls or large glasses

Makes 1 serving (easily adjusted to make more)

Ingredients

• ½ cup yogurt
• ½ cup hot fudge
• whipped cream
• ripe banana
• toppings

Directions

Layer yogurt and hot fudge, cut banana in half and place in glass. Top with whip cream and other toppings of your choice. Serve.