Game day munchies

Football season is one of our favorite times of the year. We love to have friends and family over to watch the games and, of course, to eat. While we may disagree about whom we are cheering for, we all agree that snacks are essential. Most of these recipes can be prepared in advance and laid out in a big spread just in time for kickoff. Everyone can make a plate, grab something to drink and be in front of the television for the game.

Mom’s Artichoke Dip

2 cans artichoke hearts, drained and chopped

1 cup Parmesan

1 cup sour cream

2/3 cup mayonnaise

¼ teaspoon garlic powder

1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

3 slices (about ¼-inch thick) of pancetta

Paprika, to taste

Dice up pancetta. Brown in a skillet and drain on paper towels. Mix cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder and cayenne together. Add the artichokes and pancetta; stir to combine. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until bubbly. Sprinkle paprika over the top and serve with your favorite crackers (my favorite are Triscuits).

Our Favorite Hummus

1 can cannellini beans, drained

1-2 small cloves garlic, chopped

¼ of a bunch of Italian parsley

1 teaspoon lemon juice

1-2 drops Tabasco

½ teaspoon salt

Drain can of beans, reserving the liquid; rinse the beans. Place all ingredients in food processor and add 1 tablespoon of the reserved liquid. Blend in processor until smooth. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve to allow flavors to marry. Serve with Pita Chips.

Pita Chips:

1 bag of pita bread

1 tablespoon oregano

Salt and pepper to taste

Cut pita bread into triangles and spread on a baking pan. Sprinkle with oregano, salt and pepper. Bake at 375 degrees for about 6-7 minutes.

Game Day Chili

Chili mix, like 2 Alarm or Shot Gun Willie’s

¼ cup of medium hot chili powder

2 teaspoons cayenne pepper

1-2 teaspoons red pepper flakes

1 8-ounce can tomato sauce

1 can diced tomatoes

2-3 cloves garlic chopped

1 onion diced

2 large cans of chili beans

2 small cans of chili beans

1 ½ -2 pounds ground turkey

Add chili powder, cayenne pepper and red pepper flakes to chili mix.

Brown the turkey and drain on paper towels. Sauté onion until tender and add garlic, cooking continue until you can smell the garlic. In a large pot, add the beans, mix, sauce and seasoning; stir to combine. Add meat, onions and garlic; stir again. Add enough water to cover the bean mixture. Cover the pot with a lid and simmer for about 1 ½ hours .

Serve with chips, sour cream, shredded cheese, tomatoes, green onions and jalapenos.

Halftime Sliders

1-1½ pounds ground chuck

Salt and pepper, to taste

Garlic powder, to taste

Onion powder, to taste

1 egg, beaten

2-3 tablespoons ketchup

Slider-sized buns

In a bowl, place meat and seasonings and add the beaten egg. Mix until combined, trying not to over mix the meat. Shape into patties about three inches in diameter. Grill to desired doneness.

Top with fixings like lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, onion, ketchup, mayo and mustard. Serve with French fries.

Italian “Salsa” with Mozzarella

5-6 roma tomatoes

1 bunch basil

1 bunch parsley

¼ small onion, diced

1 tablespoon sugar

1 ball fresh mozzarella cheese

Pita chips

Mix tomatoes through sugar together and allow to set. To serve, cut mozzarella into desired-size pieces and place on warm pita chips. Dollop salsa on top and enjoy.