Superbowl = Great Appetizers!

I love appetizers! I am perfectly happy at a party that serves appetizers and desserts and do not miss the main course at all. This is one reason why I love the Superbowl. For some reason (maybe because I’m a vegetarian?) I seem to especially enjoy Mexican style appetizers.  Whether it’s the Superbowl or any other gathering, here are some of my favorite go-to appetizers:

Taco Dip

What You Will Need

• 2 large packages of cream cheese
• 1 small package of sour cream
• Pack of taco seasoning
• Vegetables (such as tomatoes, onions, peppers, black olives, etc.)
• Shredded cheese

What You Will Need To Do

Blend cream cheese, sour cream, and taco seasoning together and spread on a platter.  Top with veggies and cheese.  Enjoy!

Ole Appetillas

{Recipe from Azteca Foods}

What You Will Need

• 1 package of super size flour tortillas
• 2 8-ounce packages of cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup salsa
• 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped
• ¼ cup black olives, chopped

What You Will Need To Do

Combine cream cheese, salsa, onions, and olives.  Spread thin layer of mixture on each tortilla.  Tightly roll up tortilla.  Wrap individually in plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 3 hours.  To serve, cut into ¾ inch slices.  Makes about 64 appetillas.

Black Bean Salsa

What You Will Need

• 2 15.5-ounce cans black beans, rinsed
• 3 tablespoons chopped jalapeno nacho slices, or to taste
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 can corn
• 1 cup diced onion
• ½ cup diced red bell pepper
• 1 large tomato, seeded and diced
• 3 tablespoons fresh minced cilantro
• 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin

What You Will Need To Do

In a large bowl combine all ingredients.  Serve with tortilla chips.

And you’ve gotta have something sweet to go with all this salty/spicy:

Caramel Chex Mix

{Recipe from Lynns Kitchen Adventures}

What You Will Need

• 9 cups corn chex
• 9 cups rice chex
• 2 cups brown sugar
• 1/2 cup corn syrup
• 1 cup butter
• 1/8 teaspoon cream of tarter
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda

What You Will Need To Do

Place chex into one very large bowl.  In a pan bring the brown sugar, corn syrup, butter, and cream of tarter to a boil.  Boil for 5 minutes.  Stir in the baking soda quickly and remove from heat.  Pour over chex and stir well.  The caramel sauce should coat the chex.  You need to stir this fast because it will start to harden.  Spread onto two baking sheets (lining the pans with foil or a silpat mat will make clean up easier).  Bake at 200 degrees for 45 minutes.  I rotate the sheets around and stir every 15 minutes.  This is not crisp when you first take it out – it will harden up as it cools on the sheets.  Break up into pieces and place in a bowl and serve.

Enjoy the food and the game!