Fan-tastically Easy Super Bowl Appetizers

I don't know about you, but I am SO happy that it is February. Those who know me, know my love/hate relationship with the month of January. Let's just say it is my least favorite month, and I am always counting down the days until it is over! The snow and cold weather is bearable in December, because it is the holidays and I am no scrooge! But when the holidays come to an end so does my patience with sub freezing temps, dodging inside to the "dreadmill" for my runs, and a staying indoors! So alas- Welcome February, there is a light at the end of the tunnel! The SUPER BOWL is upon us, and that means two things:

1. Football season is coming to an official end... tears..

2. Brace yourself for some amazing appetizers

While I love watching football, I am glad to get a change of pace with other sports in the coming months. One thing I love about Super Bowl Sunday though is the appetizers, and commercials of course! I have 3 yummy recipes to share with you, that will be crowd winners this Super Bowl season. Oh did I mention they are pretty easy to prepare?

My family is Italian, so I HAD to add in my dad's famous bruschetta recipe. Sometimes my husband and I just make this for dinner and call it good. Let's just say we absolutely love this recipe. Cramped for time? Try out my amazingly delicious and easy artichoke dip that is a front runner with the football fans! Finally, drumroll please......... my famous Guacamole dip. I blogged about my love for Avocados earlier last month, so it should not come as a surprise I spent countless months perfecting my guacamole recipe! Thanks to Barbacoa, a restaurant in town that taught me the basics :)

Lauren's Famous Guacamole

Ingredients

• 4 avocados

• 1 large handful of cherry tomatoes chopped

• 1 to 2 bunches of cilantro washed and chopped

• 3 to 4 limes (depending on your citrus preference)

• Olive oil to taste

• Pinch of sea salt

• Thyme to taste

• Green tabasco to taste (a few drops)

• Purple onion (half to full onion)

• 1-2 cloves of garlic minced

• Pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Get out 2 medium size pyrex bowls

2. Bowl #1: Chop: onion, garlic, cilantro, tomatoes, and thyme. Add in sea salt, olive oil, pepper, and mix well.

3. Bowl #2: Mash up avocado to your desired consistency. Squeeze limes in, and add tabasco.

4. Combine the bowls together and enjoy with tortilla chips!

*Onion Goggles are so legit. This is me with my EYES wide open cutting onions, and doing a photo session with them in my parents kitchen!

Megale Family Bruschetta

Ingredients

• Cherry Tomatoes 1-2 containters

• Balsamic Vinegar to taste

• Salt and Pepper to taste

• Garlic 1-2 cloves minced

• 1-2 loaves of bread, or something with crunch

• Parmesan cheese (1 tub)

• Olive Oil to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare by cutting up the Basil, Garlic, and Tomatoes.

2. Add the prepped ingredients into a medium size bowl.

3. Add in balsamic vinegar, and olive oil into the mixture. This will be to taste, depending on how much oil you want.

4. Add salt and pepper to taste

5. Cut up the french bread and drizzle olive oil or add a small bit of parmesan to each piece of bread.

6. Flatten them on a heated panini maker, or in the oven on broil.

7. Add the tomato mixture on top of the bread and enjoy!

Artichoke Dip

Ingredients

• 2 Jars of Artichoke Hearts (Trader Joes Marinated Hearts In Olive Oil)

• 1 Cup of Best Foods Mayo

• 2+ cups of Italian Cheese (4 Cheese Formaggio Blend from Trader Joes)

• 1/4 cup Hatch Green Chilies, or Hatch Valley Green Salsa (Trader Joes)

Instructions

1. Pour out and rinse the artichoke hearts in a strainer. Chop the hearts into bite size pieces.

2. In a bowl, add together the cheese, artichoke hearts and mayo, along with the green chilies or salsa.

3. In a shallow baking dish, add in the combined ingredients and add another layer of cheese over the top.

4. Cover and bake at 375 degrees for about 30 minutes.

5. Once bubbly serve with tortilla chips, bread, or pita chips!

Enjoy the Super Bowl this year with friends and family!

Get Cookin'

xoxo Lauren Nicole

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