A Superbowl party for your mouth

This weekend we are hosting a Superbowl Bash. I refrain from asking JohnnyMac what he wants on the menu du jour because the answer is: cocktails and endless plates of meat. I like a little more variety. The party is going to be fantastic and even better because my BFF is here this weekend too.  So, with a medley of recipes for the party, I thought I would share a few.  The idea of Superbowl faire to me is hearty but low- maintenance. I wouldn't want you to miss any of the commercials I mean, game. 

From my kitchen to yours, enjoy every bite.

Grilled BBQ Potato Skins: a slight twist on the classic
Ingredients

3 russet potatoes, scrubbed

4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 clove garlic, minced
3/4 cup Cheddar
1/2 cup barbecue sauce, warm
1/2 pound pulled pork
Sour cream, for topping
2 tablespoons snipped chives, for garnish 

Directions 
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Bake potatoes on middle rack until fork tender, about 1 hour. Remove from oven and let sit until cool enough to handle.

Bake 4 strips of bacon on a small sheet pan in the oven for 15 minutes. Crumble bacon when it's cooled. Preheat grill to medium heat. Cut potatoes in half, lengthwise, and spoon out the flesh, leaving a half inch shell. Melt the butter in saucepan and add minced garlic. Brush potatoes with the butter and garlic mixture. Flip over and butter the bottoms.

Place potatoes on grill and cook until crisp, about 4 to 4 1/2 minutes on each side and remove from grill. Divide the cheese, barbecue sauce and pulled pork among the potatoes. Top potato skins with sour cream, crumbled bacon and chives for garnish.

Fruit Bruschetta:

There are many options for this delicious treat. It is one of my favorite things to serve at parties.  

Ingredients:
1 8 oz package of cream cheese softened
2 cups strawberries sliced/diced
2 T chopped mint
2 T honey

Mix well. Slather onto sliced baguette. You can also use kiwi, grapes, melon etc.

Beer Dip (compliments of my BFF Marcia Garcia)

She recommends this with pretzels. I recommend it with sliced baguette topped with a little cheese and under the broiler until the cheese melts.

Ingredients:

1/2 bottle of beer (or less, depending on your taste and by taste I don't mean pour most of it in your mouth and the tiny remainder in the recipe.)

2 pkg cream cheese

2 c. shredded cheddar cheese

1 c. chopped onion

1 pkg dry hidden valley ranch mix

Mix well.  Serve with pretzels, crackers, or sliced baguette as noted above.

And don't forget, it is Hotpants weekend. Contest ends 2.8.2010. 
And do you Choo? I hope you do. Contest ends 2.10.2010.
Next week is all about fab giveaways. Join in.