February might be the shortest month of the year, but it is packed full of fun, celebration-worthy events. From Groundhog Day and President’s Day to Valentine’s Day and Mardi Gras, an infectious holiday spirit seems to arise at least once a week. But the highlight of February (for most people) is the Super Bowl. It’s the one Sunday a year when it is totally acceptable to wear sweats all day, drink beer, eat deliciously unhealthy food, and watch a bunch of spandex-wearing athletes run around a field for hours on end. Even if football isn’t your thing, the Super Bowl truly offers something for everyone – camaraderie, commercials, and what is sure to be a phenomenal halftime show by the diva herself, Beyoncé. And let’s not forget that Animal Planet’s Puppy Bowl airs right before the big football event.
If the Super Bowl hasn’t crossed your mind until today, we totally get it. Collegiettes are busy balancing classes, work, exercise, friends, and their extracurricular activities. The good news is that even though Super Bowl Sunday is tomorrow, there is still time to plan a get together with your friends complete with some delicious snacks. Here are three quick and easy treats you can throw together in no time!
Football Strawberries
All you need for these pint-size, pigskin replicas are fresh strawberries, chocolate chips, white chocolate chips, and a toothpick. Put the regular chocolate chips in a microwave-safe container and heat on high for 15 seconds. Stir and continue zapping in the microwave for 15-second intervals until the chocolate is melted and smooth. Dip each strawberry in the chocolate, making sure to fully coat the fruit. Place on waxed paper and let the chocolate harden.
For the white detailing, melt the white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe container. Heat on high for 15 seconds, stir, and continue zapping in the microwave for 15-second intervals until the chocolate is melted. Take a toothpick and artfully decorate your strawberry footballs with the white chocolate.
Barbecue Chex Mix (adapted from Pillsbury)
This snack requires a few more ingredients, but it is totally worth it. For those of you who don’t have access to a Mod BBQ, this is as close as you are going to get to that classic, smoky, Super Bowl flavor. And believe me when I say that your friends won’t be able to stop grabbing handfuls of this Chex mix…it will probably be completely gone before Beyoncé even belts her first high note.
Ingredients:
3 cups Rice Chex cereal
3 cups Corn Chex cereal
1 ½ cups pretzel Goldfish
1 ½ cups bite-size Cheez-Its
¾ cup honey-roasted peanuts
½ cup BBQ sauce
1 Tbsp. vegetable oil
¾ tsp. onion powder
¾ tsp. garlic powder
In a large microwavable bowl, mix cereals, Goldfish, Cheez-Its, and peanuts. In a small bowl, mix remaining ingredients until well blended. Pour over cereal mixture, stirring evenly until coated. Microwave uncovered on high for seven minutes, stirring every two minutes. Spread on foil or paper towels to cool, about 15 minutes. Serve and enjoy!
Cheesy Spinach and Bacon Dip
Your guy friends will forever love you for this dip. It is easy, delicious, and chock full of cheese and bacon. All you need is a microwave and just five easily accessible ingredients. The recipe calls for cooked bacon, so if you don’t have a stove or oven I would suggest buying pre-cooked bacon crumbles!
Ingredients:
1 (10 oz.) package frozen chopped spinach
16 oz. shredded cheddar cheese
4 oz. cream cheese, cubed
1 can diced tomatoes and green chilies
8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
Microwave all ingredients in a microwave-safe bowl on high for five minutes or until the cheese is completely melted and the mixture is well blended. Stir before serving. This dip is best served with chips, bread, and veggies!
Photo Sources:
http://www.pillsbury.com/recipes/chex-barbecue-snack-mix/640e609e-c582-4f11-a0d1-56e2505342a9
http://blog.candiquik.com/?p=2902
http://busy-mommy.com/2012/01/superbowl-cheesy-spinach-bacon-dip.html