Food ideas for Superbowl Sunday

Maybe you're not a big football fan.  Maybe your team didn't make it to the bowl this year.  So what?  Superbowl Sunday can still be a great excuse to have an amazing Sunday evening with your friends, eating lots, yelling at the tv, and actually looking forward to commercial breaks for once.  (Why can't the advertisers try that hard all of the time?)

You can always go for an elaborate spread, but it really isn't necessary.  The most important things for a Superbowl party are a clear view of the television, and plenty of snacks around throughout  the entire game for constant munching.  If you feel like decorating, the teams provide you with the color scheme.  If your team isn't playing, that doesn't mean you can't use their colors.  A true fan stays loyal to their team, right?

Staples around my house for football game food are generally:  Rotel dip, Little Smokies, Cheese and Summer Sausage, and sometimes a veggie tray with Ranch dip.  (Mom tends to throw that last one in after seeing all of the meat and cheese that is being consumed in one sitting!!)

Now for dessert, a simple one that everyone seems to love is Rice Krispie Treats.  For this occasion, use Cocoa Krispies, and shape the treats into footballs.  Top off with white icing "laces" and you're all set.  You can actually do the same thing with brownies.  Just cut into football shapes.

This year I have been looking for some new things to try.  My cousin Rhonda brought this dip to a family gathering, and it  was a new favorite for everyone.  It's like chicken wings in less-messy dip form!!  Here is the recipe:

Buffalo Chicken Dip

8 oz. cream cheese, softened
2 cups sour cream
1 cup Ranch salad dressing
1/2 cup Franks Red Hot Buffalo Wing Sauce
2 1/2 cups shredded cooked chicken
8 oz. Colby Jack cheese, shredded

In a large mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, sour cream, salad dressing, and buffalo sauce until blended. Stir in chicken and colby jack cheese. Transfer to a greased 2 quart baking dish. Cover and bake, at 350 degrees, 25-30 minutes or until hot and bubbly.

You can serve with any chips or crackers you prefer, but I like to serve it with Tostitos tortilla chips.  If you are a blue cheese fan, you can also substitute that for the ranch dressing.

Now for dessert, a simple one that everyone seems to love is Rice Krispie Treats.  For this occasion, use Cocoa Krispies, and shape the treats into footballs.  Top off with white icing "laces" and you're all set.  You can actually do the same thing with brownies.  Just cut into football shapes.

Well, that's probably what we will be doing.  I would love to hear ideas from the rest of you.  What are your favorite football foods, and what new things will you be trying this year?