Yep, it’s that time of year, folks. The time when buzz begins about which commercials were banned, which team will win, and of course, which food we will serve! So let the countdown to Sunday begin! And let me help you with that most important part — what food to serve to your guests or take with you to the party.

We’ll start by looking back at the recipes that have been posted so far, and the rest of this week I’ll pull in a few more ideas to help you in your countdown to party time. Let’s throw a few ideas out there:

• Cheesy Nachos with Guacamole and Salsa – There’s really no explanation needed for this one. Make the recipe just like it is, and enjoy! If you’re headed to a party and don’t have access to an oven, simply make the guac and salsa and serve as a dip with chips. It’s a hit every time!
• Courtney’s Vegetarian Chili – chili is always a crowd pleaser, and if you have any vegetarian friends in the crowd, they’ll surely appreciate this hearty dish.
• Mozzarella-stuffed Meatballs – Make the meatballs in this recipe with the marinara, but instead of serving over spaghetti, serve them up on buns. Who doesn’t love a meatball sandwich?? Well, except the vegetarians, who are already covered with the chili above.
• Oysters on the Half – If your handy with a shucking knife, pop open a few of these and serve with some tabasco and cocktail sauce. Just make sure you keep your shucking during pre-game, before you’ve had a few too many brewskis. No one wants to leave mid-game to take you to the hospital.
• Sweet Red Pepper and Mango Spring Rolls – For those who might want something a bit lighter & refreshing. You know, those of us not buried beneath 3 feet of snow. When you make these, keep the rice paper wrappers damp by laying a wet paper towel over the plate.
• Cheese Course – Instead of going with ooey-gooey cheeses here, head to your local grocer and ask for some cheeses that will go well with beer. Cheddars and Gouda are fine choices, and pick up some summer sausage or salami as well.
• Sliders – Use the recipe from my fast food-style Double Cheeseburger to make mini versions that your guests are sure to gobble up!
• German Sausages with Braised Cabbage – Get this recipe started before the game, and simply sit the dutch oven out with some buns and mustard so your guests can create their own sausage sandwiches with something a bit sweeter than kraut. Goes oh so good with beer! Or, if it happens to be warm in your neck of the woods, try grilling up some brats with onions braised in beer instead.

And if the game doesn’t go into overtime so you get your free Papa John’s pizza, but you want to keep the party going, pull out a couple of rounds of pizza dough and throw together a few pizzas for those left celebrating or licking their wounds.

What will you be serving come this Sunday?

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Appetizers by Courtney