Super Bowl Count Down...Take One: Appetizers

The playoffs are under way and the Super Bowl is just around the corner.  Even though my team shamefully got their butts kicked this past Saturday, I'm still aware that most people are either planning on throwing or planning on attending a Super Bowl party.  So over the next three weeks, I will post some of my favorite game time snacks.

First up on the count down:  Basil Parmesan Dip and Stuffed Jalapenos.

Basil Parmesan Dip, a creamy combination of classic Italian flavors.  Serve it with pita chips, carrot sticks, cucumbers, or even crostini.

Basil Parmesan Dip
Adapted from Cooking Light 
Ingredients:
1 cup lightly packed basil leaves
3/4 cup grated or shredded Parmesan cheese
3/4 cup reduced fat sour cream
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1 garlic clove

Directions:
In a food processor, add the garlic clove and pulse a few times.  Add the basil and pulse until lightly chopped.  Add the Parmesan cheese and process until everything in the processor is finely chopped.  (If you don't have a food processor, just chop everything up as fine as you can.)

In a medium bowl, add the sour cream and lemon juice and mix thoroughly.  Add the basil mixture and fold to combine.  Chill for at least 30 minutes.  Serve with pita chips, crostini, or veggies.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jalapenos, bacon and cream cheese....need I say more about these little spicy baked snacks?  (if it were summer time, I'd suggest doing these on the grill!!)

Stuffed Jalapenos

Ingredients:

5-10 jalapenos (depending on size..5 large, 10 small) sliced in half lengthwise, seeds and ribs removed, you want to create a shell

4 oz cream cheese

4 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled

1/4 tsp garlic powder

salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Place empty jalapenos on a baking sheet and bake in preheated oven for 5-6 minutes or until lightly softened.

Meanwhile, in a bowl combine the cheese, bacon, garlic powder.  Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Remove jalapenos from the oven and fill with cheese mixture.  Return to the oven and bake for about 8 minutes.  Turn broiler on and broil for 2 more minutes.  Remove and serve.