Steals of the Week: FOOTBALL Food!

 This is the first year in a while my husband and I aren't having a party for that game that happens between the two teams that remain after the regular season and the playoffs (apparently any mention or allusion to said game is a huge no-no). He is naturally disappointed because there are a few appetizers  I make that he can't wait to eat. Personally, I am excited to let someone else do the planning and cooking this year. But in his honor, and for those of you interested in game day snacks, here are some oldies but goodies that have been "stolen" for generations. Credit is given where credit can be credited!

VELVEETA Spicy Sausage Dip recipe (follow link for recipe)

• I personally use 1 roll of Jimmy Dean Hot sausage for extra spice
• The can of diced green chiles and tomatoes is a simple way to make this recipe. I have also made it with fresh tomatoes and canned green chiles, which I find makes a thicker dip.
• This dip is great with multi-grain tortilla chips too!

7-Layer Dip 

There are THOUSANDS of versions of this recipe out there so attributing anyone to a version is hard. One of my go-to recipe sites AllRecipes.com has 7 different kinds just on the first page. I will share the recipe my mom gave me. This makes enough dip for a 9x13 dish!

2 cans of refried beans
1 package of taco seasoning
3 cups of guacamole (not the guacamole dip! I've made that mistake!)
3 cups of sour cream
2 large tomatoes diced
2 cans of diced green chiles drained
4 cups of shredded Mexican cheese
2 small cans of sliced black olives

Mix the taco seasoning into the beans and spread on the bottom of the pan. (A little hint that sometimes microwaving the beans for a bit can soften them to make them easier to spread.) layer the other ingredients in order listed being careful to spread the liquid ingredients thinly and evenly. The tomatoes, chiles and olives should be sprinkled to cover and the cheese should completely cover the dip. Serve immediately or chill no more than 2 hours.

Hot Sausage and Cheese Puffs 
(I am 99.9% sure this originated with Bisquick but the recipe on Bettycrocker.com is different! sausage-cheese-balls. My mom gave this recipe to me years ago.

1 pound hot or sweet Italian sausage, cooked, crumbled, drained and completely cooled
1 pound shredded sharp cheddar cheese
3 cups biscuit mix
3/4 cup water

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Add sausage to a large bowl, then add cheese, biscuit mix and water. Mix with a fork just until blended. The mix will have a paste like consistency. Roll into 1-inch balls and place on large ungreased cookie sheets (I usually use parchment paper just to be safe). Bake 12-15 minutes or until puffed and browned. Remove and cool on wire racks. These can be prepared ahead and frozen or refrigerated and then warmed right before the party in a 350 oven.

Have a great party and enjoy the game!