Super Bowl Snacking

This post is the second in a series on entertaining for the big game, this year being played between the New York Giants and the New England Patriots on Sunday, February 5.

On any given Sunday, the only more important than the score, is the snacks. This is even more true on Super Bowl Sunday.

Dips are perfect for the pre-show and kick-off. Thicker options are easier to have fun with though. This crab dip can be molded into a football shape on a pretty platter, then surrounded by crackers, pretzels and vegetable dippers.

Ingredients

• 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
• 2 cups (8 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup (4 ounces) provolone cheese, shredded
• 1 cup crabmeat, drained, flaked and cartilage removed
• 1 cup (8 ounces) 4% cottage cheese
• 2 teaspoons seafood seasoning
• 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon prepared mustard
• Pretzel sticks
• Assorted crackers and/or fresh vegetables

Directions

• In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add cheddar cheese, provolone cheese, crab, cottage cheese, seafood seasoning, Worcestershire sauce and mustard; mix well. Cover and refrigerate overnight.  Form mixture into a football shape. Arrange pretzel over top for laces.

Sweets are always the centerpiece, so make them as pretty as you can. Football cookies are a cinch to make. Just buy a football (or even oval) shaped cookie cutter, mix up a batch of your favorite chocolate cookie recipe, and bake. Mix up a simple royal icing, no need to bother with food coloring, and pipe onto cooled cookies to resemble laces!

Here’s a fun recipe to get you started: http://www.food.com/recipe/fabulous-filbert-football-cookies-aka-super-bowl-cookies-206624

Equally important is having a classy pad to serve everything on that is easily accessible, and within a clear view of the television. The Hillsdale Furniture Thornhill coffee table features a distressed washed ash finished top.  The metal base boasts a three step rubbed black/pewter finish.  Together, these create a chic but rustic style that’s ideal for entertaining. Matching end and sofa tables are also available.

For more information check out hillsdalefurniture.com