The Covered Dish - Spicy Corn Dip

Well this past weekend we were in the play-offs and now I’m sure we are all prepping for the Super Bowl game. During the play-offs our household went with a dinner menu featuring creamy tortellini, Chicken and vegetables. For Super Bowl it will probably be a little different approach.
First if you are thinking of implementing purchased pizzas for this event, it would be best to order them this week. Or, if you’re placing an order, at your favorite bbq or restaurant, time to get your foot in the door. I was skimming through a few of our favorite appetizers and I would say the sliders come in first place. We always have fresh vegetables and dip, and the guys like Fritos and a spicy corn dip. Myself, I enjoy a big bowl of cocktail de’ Cameron. Which is Mexican shrimp cocktail. It would also be nice to have fresh guacamole and chips.
For those looking at cost, well, it’s less expensive to prepare a meal, and it’s also less time consuming. You could consider Mexican or Italian dishes that are easy to make for 20 people. Salad, bread and a nice dessert will round out the meal.

Sit bowls of popcorn, M&M’s, nuts and other snack foods around for the pre-game time period.
If there’s a big group coming over switch out the bathroom hand-towels to a roll of paper towels. This is a much healthier approach with this many guests. Put a mat or towel at the front door for boots and shoes. Keep one bed clear of pet dander, etc. to place coats and bags. If it’s going to be an alcohol based event invite guests to stay over, or be a good host and drive them home.
Do something special for the children. They’ll watch the game, but they will also do their share of wandering, etc. No, your guests so you can plan accordingly.
If this is a family event with children make sure the meal/appetizers are ones that will appeal to kids.
Something really unique to do for a 10-15 people gathering would be to make a take-home lunchbox for the next day at work. Fresh veggies and dip, brownies, chips and a simple sandwich would fill the bill. Put them in an old-fashioned paper sack and hand them out as the guests go home. Talk about making your guests night complete, this would be awesome!

OK, my friends, I’ve given you lots of ideas for the upcoming football gathering.

Start stocking up now and making those lists. Get the entire family involved with the chores. “GO BIG RED”, Simply yours, The Covered Dish.

Spicy Corn Dip

1 (8 ounce) package softened cream cheese

1 package (Makes 32 ounces) dry Ranch Dressing Mix

1 (11 ounce) can, drained Mexicorn

1 can Ro-Tel Tomatoes, undrained
4 ounces sour cream

4-6 small green onions, finely chopped

Soften cream cheese and stir in the dry dressing mix blending until smooth. Add the corn, Rotel, sour cream and the finely diced green onions. This is good to make the night before allowing the flavors to blend. Serve with your favorite Tortilla chips. Makes approximately two cups of dip.

There are a multitude of options for this dip. For starters you could omit the draining the Ro-Tel Tomatoes and not even use the sour cream! If the dip was softer than you like add a finely shredded cheddar cheese or pepper jack which would firm up the dip even more and add flavor. Consider additional green chilies, jalapenos, cilantro, chili powder or even a shake or two of hot sauce.

One last alternative would be to sauté the corn before it's put into the dish. Browning the kernels very slightly.