By By Lisa Tindell – news editor
You've got the sandwiches, meatballs, sausages and an array of chips, salsa and dips all lined up for your Super Bowl party. But have you given any thought to adding a little something sweet to the buffet table?
This week, you'll find an array of recipes that will help to balance the table by adding some sweet endings to the buffet.
Try your hand at making one or more of the recipes found here. Chances are, by adding a little sweetness to the buffet table, you'll make a touchdown with all of your party guests.
Fruit Salsa
2 kiwis, peeled and diced
2 Golden Delicious apples, peeled, cored and diced
8 ounces raspberries
1 pound strawberries
2 tablespoons white sugar
1 tablespoon brown sugar
3 tablespoons fruit preserves, any flavor
10 (10-inch) flour tortillas
butter-flavored cooking spray
2 cups cinnamon sugar
In a large bowl, thoroughly mix kiwis, apples, raspberries, strawberries, white sugar, brown sugar and fruit preserves. Cover and chill in the refrigerator at least 15 minutes. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Coat one side of each flour tortilla with butter flavored cooking spray. Cut into wedges and arrange in a single layer on a large baking sheet. Sprinkle wedges with desired amount of cinnamon sugar. Spray again with cooking spray. Bake in the preheated oven 8 to 10 minutes. Repeat with any remaining tortilla wedges. Allow to cool 15 minutes. Serve with chilled fruit and spice mixture.
Chocolate Chip Cheeseball
If sweet dips sound interesting to you, this next one is bound to be a crowd pleaser, especially for the women in the crowd. The pairing of cream cheese and chocolate chips just can't be a mistake.
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup confectioners' sugar
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips
3/4 cup finely chopped pecans
In a medium bowl, beat together cream cheese and butter until smooth. Mix in confectioners' sugar, brown sugar and vanilla. Stir in chocolate chips. Cover, and chill in the refrigerator for 2 hours. Shape chilled cream cheese mixture into a ball. Wrap with plastic, and chill in the refrigerator for 1 hour. Roll the cheese ball in finely chopped pecans before serving.
Caramel Apple Dip
Apples are wonderful this time of year and this next recipe is sure to be a hit. The crispness of the apples will satisfy those who like crunchy things but will give them a hint of sweetness as they crunch. By using Granny Smith apples, you'll have a little tart along with the sweetness of the dip.
16 individually wrapped caramels, unwrapped
1/4 cup water
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese
1/2 cup brown sugar
In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, or in the microwave, melt caramels with water, stirring frequently. Remove from heat. In a medium bowl, cream together cream cheese and sugar. Fold in caramel mixture. Serve immediately.
Apple Dip
One recipe using apples is one that I received in the fall from Gladys Fuqua. It was such a wonderful recipe I thought I'd share it again.
1 bag Heath brickle bits
8 oz. cream cheese, softened
One-half cup brown sugar
One-fourth cup white sugar
Blend all ingredients well, until creamy. Serve with sliced Granny Smith apples or other fruit.
Fill your table with fresh fruits and homemade treats any football fan would enjoy by using any of this week's recipes.
I hope your team wins and all of the bowls are empty at the end of the evening.