The Superbowl Shuffle

Superbowl Party.

So it's Friday and no one has taken charge of where your group of friends is going to watch the Super Bowl. And with so little time, how can you pull it together and still hope to have at least one lazy weekend day? Hip Hostess is about to show you how easy (and fun!) a last minute SB Party can be.

1. Make it a BYOB. Football calls for beer, not fancy drinks. Everyone can bring their favorite brewskies and you aren't stuck lugging several cases home from the bodega.

2. Download easy decorations. The Paper and Cup shop on etsy has a downloadable set of decorations that cover everything from napkin rings, to beer charms, to a pennant garland. And it's only $5.

3. Prepare some friendly betting games for your group. That way the people that talk during the game and only watch the commercials will stay engaged the entire time and not annoy the diehards. I've searched extensively and this is a link to the best and most accurate description of how to play 2 common games - Squares and Props. Of course they didn't update the directions for this year...so everywhere is says Indianapolis Colts fill in Pittsburgh Steelers, and change Chicago Bears to the Arizona Cardinals. Sorry for the extra step, but I know that you can handle it.

4. Food! Don't kill yourself trying to do everything. Football is synonymous with snack type foods so have your pals each bring a hearty appetizer to share. Below is my mother-in-law's famous Tex-Mex Dip that's best served with your favorite tortilla chips. It is truly one of the few times that I search for velveeta anymore...but it's worth it!

And if your are feeling extra special, most grocery stores have sugar cookies in the bakery that are shaped like footballs or helmets. It's kitchy cute and delicious. Just remember...laces out!!

Tex Mex Dip

1 1/2 lbs of ground beef

4 cloves of garlic (minced)

2 T Paprika

2 small containers of velveeta (or Mexican spiced velveeta, if you can find it)

3 medium onions (chopped)

2 T Cumin

4T Chili Powder

2 8oz jars of salsa (which ever heat you prefer)

1 can of diced tomatoes (Hunts Special is our fave)

Cook the onions over medium heat in a medium sized dutch oven for about 10 minutes or until translucent. Add the garlic and cook for about 1 more minute. Add the ground beef and cook until browned.

Meanwhile melt the velveeta in a double boiler or microwave. When beef is fully browned, add the cheese, spices, salsa, and tomatoes. Cook until heated through and then bring the heat down to low. Serve with your favorite tortilla chips.