Super Bowl 2018

To host the Super Bowl is a HUGE deal for Minnesota. An enormous amount of time and effort has gone into the planning for this event. As thousands of people descend into Minneapolis and St. Paul there are a lot of Super Bowl activities to choose from. 
Check out these lists if you happen to be in area with big entertainment names, zip line rides over the Mississippi and several locations for ice/snow sculptures plus some daredevil snow stunts. 
http://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2018/01/25/super-bowl-events-guide/
http://minnesota.cbslocal.com/2018/01/26/super-bowl-activities-take-over-minneapolis/

But oh my, bundle up as the weather forecast is a chilly one with predicted single digits and below. Lucky it's an indoor game stadium. 

Warm up with some tasty game day food watching the big game. Need to interject here wishing we'd be watching the Vikings in the final game. 
The following recipes come from Cathy who provided several tasty appetizers for us to devour and indeed we did!   
Buffalo Chicken Pinwheels

http://www.kraftrecipes.com/recipes/buffalo-chicken-pinwheels-210600.aspx
A high recommendation using Frank's Red Hot Wing Sauce  

Smoked Salmon Dip

http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/smoked-salmon-dip-0

A high recommendation-don't skip the addition of capers in this recipe as it really boosts the flavor. Bagel chips or a veggie tray also go well with Smoked Salmon Dip.  

Mexican Avocado Bruschetta

Mexican Avocado Bruschetta

And two Ever Ready specials being served up on game day.

Pigs-in-a Blanket with a Twist

Pigs- in- a-Blanket with a Twist

Mexican Brownies

Cook's Notes: Over the years I've tried numerous brownie recipes but then comes this one Mexican Brownies that may exceed all others I have made.  It has a unique mix of ingredients that really all work together to create a complex taste with two kinds of chocolate, cinnamon, espresso powder and a pinch of cayenne pepper.  The espresso powder, cinnamon and cayenne pepper give the brownies a depth of flavor which I really liked. I was a bit unsure on cayenne powder so I just did a pinch though the recipe called 1/4 tsp. No beaters are needed and it all comes together easily. The brownies do not need frosting just a dusting of powdered sugar will do.

Recipe from cuisineathome.com February 2018 

I highly recommend put it on your list.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup flour
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 3/4 tsp. Saigon cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1/2 tsp. baking powder
• pinch of cayenne pepper
• 4 oz. bittersweet chocolate bar chopped
• 4 oz. semi-sweet chocolate bar chopped
• 1 stick of butter, cubed
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 TB. instant espresso powder
• 3 large eggs, room temperature, beaten
• 1 tsp. vanilla

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9 inch square glass pan.
• Whisk flour, cocoa powder, cinnamon, salt and baking powder. Set aside. 
• Melt chocolate, butter, sugars and espresso powder in a saucepan. Whisk until smooth over low heat.
• Off heat, add beaten eggs and vanilla to the saucepan. Whisk until smooth. 
• Stir in flour mixture just until all is incorporated. 
• Add batter to prepared pan and bake 25 minutes.