Super Bowl Fiesta

We are having a Super Bowl fiesta at our house this evening. I'm not at all a football fan and have realized that having a party is the way to go. The game is going to be on no matter what, so why not have good food and friends? That way, there's something for everyone to enjoy.

First, I have a funny story for you. E, my 5 year old son, went with me Friday night to find some bowls and trays with a football theme. We toured the party store and saw all kinds of sports-themed party ware. As we were standing in front of a big display of paper products with various sports balls on them, I started picking up some football items. E said to me in a patronizing voice, "Mom, you know this is for the Super BOWL." The word "bowl" was said very distinctively and lasted 3x longer than it does when most people say the word. I assured him that I knew it was the Super Bowl. He said, "Then don't we need these?" He pointed to bowling party ware - bowling ball plates, bowling pin napkins, etc. At least he's thinking and trying to participate!

For our party tonight I've chosen a Mexican theme for the food. Why, you ask? Because that's what I like and I'm cookin'. I tried to tie something in to the Bears or Colts, but horse and bear food just doesn't seem appetizing. So, I took the wild approach and am preparing food with a theme that has no relation to the Super Bowl. I live on the wild side.

Our menu tonight is: taco soup, Mexican chicken casserole, 7-layer Mexican dip, nacho cheese dip, strawberry-walnut salad, veggie tray, fruit tray, and for dessert - lemon, mango, and key-lime squares. I'll also set out Doritos, Frito's, Skittles, and nuts for munching on during the game.

None of the recipes are original to me, with the possible exception of the 7-layer Mexican dip. I don't even know if my final version has 7 layers. I just included my favorite parts from several versions of the same dip. I think it will be good. Here are the recipes for the main dishes.

Mexican Chicken Casserole

From Paula Deen's Food Network Website

• 1 can cream of chicken soup
• 1 can cheddar cheese soup
• 1 can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 can tomatoes
• 4 cups cooked chopped chicken
• 1 package flour tortillas
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray 13x9 inch pan with cooking spray. In a large bowl, stir together the 3 kinds of soup and the tomatoes. Stir in the chicken. Layer the tortillas and the chicken mixture in the pan, beginning and ending with tortillas. Sprinkle the cheese over the casserole and bake for 30 minutes.

My family is full of good cooks. I don't have to look far to find good recipes. Even my mom from Daddy's Roses, who claims not to enjoy cooking is very natural in the kitchen and an excellent cook. My aunt, The Median Sib, is another wonderful cook and the next recipe is hers.

Romaine/Strawberry/Walnut Salad

• 1 head romaine lettuce
• walnuts (about 1/2 cup)
• 1/2 cup grated cheese
• Fresh strawberries
• Dressing (recipe below)

Wash and tear the lettuce into a large salad bowl. Add the sliced strawberries, chapped walnuts, and grated cheese. Immediately before serving, toss with the salad dressing.

Dressing:

• 3/4 cup oil
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup red wine vinegar
• 1 clove garlic
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Tantalizing Taco Soup

This recipe is from one of my cousins who is a fabulous cook and has many good ideas.

• 1 pound ground beef
• 2 cans diced tomatoes
• 1 can tomato soup
• 1 can kidney beans
• 1 can tomato sauce
• 1 chopped onion
• 1 can corn
• 1 package taco seasoning
• Up to 2 tomato soup cans of water

Brown the ground beef and onion together. Add the remaining ingredients and simmer. Serve with toppings like Fritos, corn chips, sour cream, salsa, and grated cheese.

7-Layer Nacho Dip

• 1 can refried beans
• 1 package cream cheese
• 16 oz sour cream
• shredded cheese
• chopped lettuce
• 8 oz picante sauce
• black olives
• 1 package taco seasoning mix
• 1 carton guacamole dip
• 1 small chopped onion

Spread refried beans in the bottom of a glass 9x13 glass dish. Mix cream cheese, sour cream, and taco seasoning. Spread this mixture on top of the refried beans. Layer guacamole dip, picante sauce, onion, lettuce, cheese and olives. Serve with nacho chips.