Score on Superbowl Sunday with the perfect spread

Outside of Thanksgiving, there’s no day more exciting for our stomachs than Superbowl Sunday. Even those who aren’t football fans can appreciate all the dips, chips, wings, nachos, pizza and other tasty treats we devour during the biggest game of the year. With Feb. 13 on the horizon, it’s time to plan the menu. 

As you’re deciding what to serve at or bring to a Superbowl party, consider your company. Are they a conventional crowd, or will they be up for an out-of-the-box recipe? Are they health conscious or adhere to a particular diet? In that case, it would be considerate to make something that prominently features fresh fruits and veggies and is lower in calories (but still delicious, of course). 

Also, keep in mind that a great gameday dish doesn’t have to be complicated or time consuming. Take this Fabulous Football Dip, for instance. It contains just three ingredients and can be whipped up in minutes. It also can be made spicy or mild depending on your taste. Nothing satisfies a group of hungry houseguests quite like chili. This one is simple, satisfying and reheats well in the unlikely event you have any left over.

FABULOUS FOOTBALL DIP

* Yields 16 servings 

Ingredients:

• 1 pound sausage 
• 1 (10-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chile peppers 
• 2 (8-ounce) packages cream cheese, softened 

Step 1: In a large skillet, cook sausage over a medium heat until it is browned and cooked through. 

Step 2: Mix tomatoes and cream cheese into the skillet. Stir and continue cooking the mixture over medium heat until the cheese has melted. Serve with crackers and/or tortilla chips 

– From allrecipes

BEST-EVER BEEF CHILI 

* Yields six servings 

Ingredients: 

• 1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil 
• 1/2 large white onion, chopped 
• 3 cloves garlic, minced 
• 2 tbsp. tomato paste 
• 1 1/2 lb. ground beef 
• 1 1/2 tbsp. chili powder 
• 1 tsp. ground cumin 
• 1 tsp. dried oregano 
• 1/2 tsp. paprika 
• 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper (optional) 
• Kosher salt 
• Freshly ground black pepper 
• 1 (15-oz) can kidney beans, drained 
• 1 (28-oz) can crushed tomatoes 

Toppings: 

• Shredded cheddar 
• Sour cream 
• Thinly sliced green onions 

DIRECTIONS 

Step 1: In a large pot over medium heat, heat oil. Add onion and cook until soft, about five minutes. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant, about one minute more, then add tomato paste, stirring to combine. Add ground beef and cook until no longer pink. Drain fat and return to heat. 

Step 2: Add chili powder, cumin, oregano, paprika and cayenne (if using) and season generously with salt and pepper. Pour in kidney beans and crushed tomatoes and bring chili to a boil. 

Step 3: Reduce heat and simmer 20 minutes. Season with more salt and pepper, if necessary. 

Step 4: Ladle into bowls and top with cheddar, sour cream and green onions. 

* Note: Chili thickens as it cooks. If you prefer thick chili, let this one simmer for at least an hour. 

– From delish.com