A special football game deserves a special dip
Football fans everywhere know that the Super Bowl is not the time to be sitting down to a big meal. It’s for finger foods that can be eaten without ever taking your eyes off the game. And since the easiest party foods are those that don’t require silverware, dips are an excellent menu choice. Instead of the standard onion dips and salsa, try something different for the biggest game of the year.
- - - - -
Serve this dip, also known as “Cowboy Caviar,” with tortilla chips. For a spicier version, substitute jalapeno peppers for the green chilies.
Spicy Bean Salsa
1 15-ounce can black-eyed peas
1 15-ounce can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 15-ounce can whole kernel corn, drained
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/2 cup chopped green bell pepper
1 4-ounce can diced green chilies, undrained
1 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes, drained
1 cup Italian-style salad dressing
1/4 teaspoon garlic salt
In a medium bowl, combine black-eyed peas, black beans, corn, onion, green bell pepper, green chilies and tomatoes. Add Italian-style salad dressing and garlic salt; mix well. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Makes 12 servings.
- - - - -
Serve this dip with tortilla chips, crackers or cocktail bread.
Creamy Artichoke and Spinach Dip
1 tablespoon butter or margarine
1 tablespoon minced onion
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup milk
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon hot sauce
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup sour cream
1/2 16-ounce package frozen cut leaf spinach, thawed and well drained
1 14-ounce can artichoke hearts, drained and coarsely chopped
1/4 cup shredded mozzarella, cheddar or Monterey jack cheese
In a large saucepan over medium heat, sauté onion and garlic in butter until golden, about 3 minutes. Add flour and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in milk; cook until mixture thickens and just starts to boil, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
Add lemon juice, hot sauce, salt and Parmesan cheese; mix well. Allow mixture to cool for 5 minutes. Add sour cream; mix well. Fold in spinach and artichoke hearts. Place in microwave-safe serving bowl and top with cheese. Heat in microwave oven until dip is bubbly and cheese melts, about 2 to 4 minutes. Makes 12 servings.
- - - - -
Pantry Pointers
If you want to serve warm foods, keep them warm in a slow cooker.
Whenever possible, keep food on a table close enough to the action so that guests can see the television while filling their plates.
The Practical Pantry ©2005 Tammy P. Olson
http://www.practicalpantry.com
Next entry: Practical Pantry contributions
Previous entry: Create inexpensive meals to trim your food budget