By By Lisa Tindell
No, I'm not a fan of professional football, but I do love a party!
If for no other reason than the party factor, I'm looking forward to this year's Superbowl.
This week's column is filled with ideas for appetizers, hors d'oeuvres, snacks, munchies – whatever you want to call them. My husband says he doesn't care what I call them, just as long as I call him when they're done.
Hot Wings
1 cup cooking oil (for frying)
1 pound chicken wings
Three-fourths cup butter
One-fourth cup hot pepper sauce
In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat oil to 375 degrees. Remove tips from wings and section remaining portion into two parts. Fry wings for 8 to 10 minutes. Let drain on paper towels. Place the chicken wings in a large mixing bowl. In a large saucepan, melt butter with hot sauce. Pour the sauce over the chicken wings and toss until all wings are coated.
Layered Taco Dip
3 (16 oz.) cans refried beans
16 oz. container sour cream
1 package taco seasoning mix
1 (20 oz.) jar salsa
One-half head iceberg lettuce
2 medium tomatoes, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
Three-fourths cup black olives, chopped (optional)
8 ounces shredded Cheddar cheese (or more)
Place the beans in the bottom of one 9×13 inch clear glass dish. In a medium bowl combine the sour cream with the taco seasoning. Spread mixture over the beans. Spread the salsa over the top of the sour cream. Top the sour cream with a layer of lettuce, tomatoes, onions and olives. Sprinkle cheese over the top and serve.
Beer Hot Dogs
2 pounds hot dogs, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 cups brown sugar
2 cups ketchup
1-12 oz. can of beer
Put all ingredients in a large saucepan and gently mix. Cover and put on low heat. Simmer slowly for about 45 minutes or until hot dog pieces are plumped up and sauce has slightly thickened. This can also be done in a slow cooker.
The Ultimate Brownie
Two-thirds cup butter or margarine
5 oz. unsweetened baking chocolate, chopped
1 and three-fourths cup sugar
2 tsp. vanilla
3 eggs
1 cup all purpose flour
1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
Chocolate Frosting (optional)
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9x9x2 pan. Melt butter and chocolate in a medium sauce pan over low heat stirring constantly. Cool slightly. Beat sugar, vanilla and eggs in medium bowl on high speed for 5 minutes. Beat in chocolate mixture on low speed until blended. Beat in flour just until blended. Stir in nuts. Spread in pan and bake for 40 to 45 minutes or just until brownies begin to pull away from sides of pan. Cool completely in pan on a wire rack and frost if desired.
Okay, these recipes give you an idea of a couple of meat dishes, a side dish and dessert. As for drinks – you are on your own. Here's hoping the day is a fun one for everyone in your house – whether you root for a team or not.
Next week, I plan to explore the world of sandwiches. There are a few ideas floating around that I haven't tried, but I do make it my plan to find out how they taste. So until then, happy eating and Go Patriots!!!!!