Appetizers for the Big Game

The Super Bowl provides a great excuse to get together with friends and family, regardless of which team you may root for. Between the game, the commercials, and the friendly chatter, even non-football fans can be entertained at a Super Bowl party.  Beer and cocktails typically represent a common staple at football gatherings but the appetizers also play an important role!

These three appetizer recipes satisfy fans of all ages. Deemed man-approved, kid-friendly and easy to make- what’s better than that? Try them at your upcoming football gathering and see how fast they disappear.

Spicy Sun Dried Tomato Hummus
Recipe from Man Tested Recipes
Ready in 5 minutes
Yield: 3 cups

Ingredients

• 2 (15-ounce) cans garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 (7-ounce) jar oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes
• 2/3 cup water
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, halved
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

Directions
Place all ingredients into a food processor and pulse until smooth. Serve with chips or pita bread for dipping.

Photo credit: FamilyFun Magazine

Football Turnovers
Recipe from Family Fun Magazine
Yield: 20 turnovers

Ingredients

• 1 (15-ounce) box refrigerated piecrusts (two 9-inch crusts)
• ½ pound meatballs, cooked
• 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Milk for glaze

Directions

1. To make a batch, first set out the crusts to bring them to room temperature (about 15 minutes) and heat the oven to 375 degrees. Meanwhile, cut the meatballs into small pieces, then place them in a small saucepan with the tomato sauce and simmer for 5 minutes. Let the mixture cool thoroughly.
2. One at a time, place each crust on lightly floured waxed paper and use a floured rolling pin to flatten it slightly into a 10-inch circle. Use a biscuit cutter to cut seven 4-inch circles from the dough, then reroll the dough scraps to get 3 more dough circles.
3. Spoon 1 tablespoon of filling onto half of each circle, leaving about a 1/2-inch margin at the edge, then sprinkle on about 1/2 teaspoon of Parmesan cheese. Use your fingertips to moisten the edges of the dough with water, then fold the uncovered half of the dough over the filling and press the edges together to seal. Crimp the edge with a fork, then transfer the turnovers to a lightly greased baking sheet and poke each one twice with a fork for vents. Brush each one with milk, then bake for about 25 minutes or until golden brown. Transfer to a rack to cool. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Photo credit: MyRecipes.com

Spicy-Sweet Deviled Eggs    
Recipe from MyRecipes.com
Yield: 10-12 servings

Ingredients

• 1 dozen hard-cooked eggs, peeled
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 3 tablespoons mango chutney
• 1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper
• Kosher salt to taste
• Garnish: sliced fresh chives

Directions

1. Cut eggs in half lengthwise; carefully remove yolks.
2. Mash yolks; stir in mayonnaise, chutney, and red pepper until blended.
3. Spoon yolk mixture evenly into egg white halves.
4. Sprinkle evenly with desired amount of salt. Garnish, if desired. Chill until ready to serve.