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Let's Eat Out
 

Updated Jan 25th, 2007

Cooking

with Kristine Clark

Spicy Chili and Cream Cheese Dip

Bittersweet. That’s what Super Bowl Sunday is. On one hand it’s sweet and exciting to watch the championship game take place after a hard-fought season. But on the other hand it signals the end of football season for months. That’s a bitter pill to swallow for many fans, Scott included. Me too.

This year the final battle will not include any of my favorite quarterbacks or coaches, but we still wouldn’t miss it. It’s an event, and also the one day when the commercials are as good as the game. Sometimes better.

Grazing throughout the game is what I do best. I mean, I’m sitting up and leaning toward the TV anyway, so it’s a natural, automatic movement to reach for tasty tidbits during the action.

Our Super Bowl celebrations vary. Some years we nibble on light hors d’oeuvres during the game, then enjoy a substantial supper afterward while we critique the contest. Other years we nosh throughout the game on various, hearty finger foods and skip dinner entirely. Either way works for me.

If you’re looking for substantial offerings to serve during the game, I’ve got a quick and easy recipe that will more than satisfy your fans, Spicy Chili and Cream Cheese Dip. This is an appetizer incorporating some of the most popular football flavors all in one dish; cream cheese, chili, salsa and chips. What’s not to like? Depending on the size of your crowd it’s also easy to double the recipe, or put another one together if the game goes into overtime. This savory treat can also be made as spicy or mild as you like by selecting your preferred level of heat in the salsa, pepper sauce and chili used.

Now I’m not going to pretend Spicy Chili and Cream Cheese Dip is low cal and particularly healthful. In fact, it falls into the category I call “thigh food.” But, hey, it’s Super Bowl Sunday and it won’t come around for another year. So enjoy.

Ingredients: