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I get so pumped every year around this time to watch two deserving teams go head to head to prove who the best team is. This year is a little different. This year the Chicago Bears are in the Super Bowl and I finally get to celebrate the fact that I have never lived in a state where my state's team gets to go to the Super Bowl, until now. I can only image how insane Chicago is going to be during and after this game.

In all reality, it doesn't matter if you live in Indiana or Illinois. Last year more than 130 million Americans were sitting and screaming at a TV somewhere watching the Super Bowl. And if you think that's a lot, globally there were around 800 million fans who tuned in to watch it. Out of the top 10 most watched television shows; the Super Bowl takes in nine of those ten slots. So obviously, this is a pretty big thing going on and a big day to host your very own Super Bowl party!

Super Bowl parties are always the best when it comes to eating loads of food, slamming back a few beers and celebrating with friends while your favorite team knocks heads with the opposing team. Oh, and we can't forget the Super Bowl commercials, which cost advertisers millions of dollars to air just for that day. Unfortunately, in my opinion, the commercials have been slacking the past few years. But who cares, we have football and that is what's most important here.

So, how do you go about hosting the best Super Bowl party? Below I have some great tips and recipes to get you started.

First off, Super Bowl parties aren't something formal. This is a laid back, stress free day when most Americans are sitting in someone's living room watching television, snacking and drinking. For the majority of us, we will even be dressed in our favorite team's colors. So, you are going to want to make this an informal, fun party.

There are three important things you need to keep in mind when you are planning your Super Bowl party. First thing is the size and location of your television. Don't volunteer to host this party if your TV isn't at least 30 inches in size. You also are going to want to place your TV in a location where everyone can see it. Make sure you have enough seating around the TV so no one misses a catch, throw, kick or a touchdown during the big game.

The next thing you need to think about is what time you want your guests to show up for the big game. You are going to want them there at least an hour or so before the game so you and everyone can watch the pre-game activities.

And the last thing (which is just as important) is what type of food you will have. You want to make sure the food you serve will be something that isn't messy considering there might be some rough housing taking place. Finger foods are your best bet in this situation. Below are some easy, non-messy appetizers that I have found for you.

** Boilermaker Tailgate Chili **


Every Super Bowl party should have a big pot of chili for everyone to snack on. Here is a great recipe that is packed full of spices, veggies, meat and flavors.

Ingredients

2 lb. ground beef chuck


1 lb. bulk Italian sausage


3 15 oz. cans chili beans, drained


1 15 oz. can chili beans in spicy sauce


1 Tbs. minced garlic


1 Tbs. dried oregano


2 tsp. hot pepper sauce (e.g. Tabasco(TM))


1 tsp. dried basil


1 tsp. salt


1 tsp. ground black pepper


1 tsp. cayenne pepper


1 tsp. paprika


1 tsp. white sugar


1 10 1/2 oz. bag corn chips such as Fritos


1 8 oz. pkg. shredded Cheddar cheese

Directions

Heat a large stock pot over medium-high heat. Crumble the ground chuck and sausage into the hot pan, and cook until evenly browned. Drain off excess grease. Pour in the chili beans, spicy chili beans, diced tomatoes and tomato paste. Add the onion, celery, green and red bell peppers, chili peppers, bacon bits, bouillon, and beer.

Season with chili powder, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, oregano, cumin, hot pepper sauce, basil, salt, pepper, cayenne, paprika, and sugar. Stir to blend, then cover and simmer over low heat for at least 2 hours, stirring occasionally. After 2 hours, taste, and adjust salt, pepper, and chili powder if necessary. The longer the chili simmers, the better it will taste. Remove from heat and serve, or refrigerate, and serve the next day. To serve, ladle into bowls, and top with corn chips and shredded Cheddar cheese

Yield: 10 servings

** Easy Guacamole **


The best thing about guacamole is that it is a healthy and delicious dip to serve at any party. Since you are going to be busy setting up for your Super Bowl party, I have found an easy way to make this fabulous dip.

Ingredients

2 avocados


1 small onion, finely chopped


1 clove garlic, minced


1 ripe tomato, chopped


1 lime, juiced


salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Peel and mash avocados in a medium serving bowl. Stir in onion, garlic, tomato, lime juice, salt and pepper. Season with remaining lime juice and salt and pepper to taste. Chill for half an hour to blend flavors.

Yield: 16 Servings

** Homemade Pizza **


Since it is one of the biggest party days I am assuming that most pizza places are going to be overwhelmed with calls for delivery. So instead of waiting an hour or longer for pizza, why not make your own? Here is a fun and simple recipe to follow. Once you make this just cut into tiny one serving squares for everyone so it won't be as messy as it could be.

Crust:


1 C. flat beer


2 Tbs. butter or margarine


2 Tbs. sugar


1 tsp. salt


2 1/2 C. all-purpose flour


1 pkg. active dry yeast (2-1/4 tsp.)

Sauce


1 15 oz. can tomato puree


1/2 tsp. salt


1/4 tsp. pepper


1/4 tsp. garlic powder


1/4 tsp. dried basil


1/4 tsp. dried oregano


1/4 tsp. ground thyme

Toppings:


1 C. shredded mozzarella


1 C. shredded cheddar


Choice of toppings: pepperoni, ham, sausage, peppers, onions, mushrooms, pineapple, Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, etc.

Directions

For crust, use bread machine set on dough setting, adding ingredients to pan in order listed. Or, dissolve yeast in warm beer (105 - 115 degrees). Add butter, sugar, salt, and flour. Mix until dough forms a ball and cleans sides of bowl. Turn onto floured surface and knead for 2 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning to grease top. Cover; let rise in a warm place, free from draft, until doubled in bulk, about 1 hour. Punch down dough.

For sauce, combine all ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat. When the sauce begins to bubble, reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes, stirring often. Remove the sauce from the heat and let cool until ready to use on pizza. (Store leftover sauce in refrigerator)

Sprinkle 14" pizza pan with cornmeal. Turn dough out on floured surface. Roll or press in prepared pie pan, forming a collar around the edge. Brush lightly with olive oil. Cover dough; let stand 15 minutes. Spread sauce on dough. Sprinkle three-quarters of the cheeses evenly over top. Top with desired toppings. Sprinkle remaining cheeses over top. Bake at 400 degrees for 25 minutes or until done and crust is crispy on the outside.

Yield: 1 14" pizza

** BLT Bites **


These are very simple to make and are a hit with both the males and females. Just make sure you make enough for everyone to have seconds or thirds.

Ingredients

16 to 20 cherry tomatoes


1 lb. bacon, cooked and crumbled


1//2 C. mayonnaise or salad dressing


1/3 C. chopped green onions


3 Tbs. grated Parmesan cheese


2 Tbs. snipped fresh parsley

Directions

Cut a thin slice off of each tomato top. Scoop out and discard pulp. Invert the tomatoes on a paper towel to drain. In a small bowl, combine all remaining ingredients.

Yield: 16 – 20 servings

** Buffalo Chicken Dip **


I don't recommend serving your guests buffalo wings for this type of party. I know I may sound crazy but think about the mess it could make all over your floor and couches. Try to substitute the real thing for this delicious dip.

Ingredients

12 oz. cooked chicken, shredded


2 (8 oz.) packages cream cheese, softened


1 C. ranch dressing


3/4 C. Frank's Hot Sauce


1 C. shredded cheddar cheese


Frito Scoops

Directions

Mix together chicken and hot sauce. Let set for 30 minutes. Meanwhile beat cream cheese and ranch dressing. Fold in shredded chicken. Spread mixture into pie plate sprayed with Pam. Bake at 350 F for 15 minutes. Add cheddar to top and bake an additional 10-15 minutes. Serve hot with Frito Scoops

As for beverages, this is more of a beer drinking party so I wouldn't be too concerned about making cocktails. Either you can supply the beer or have your guests bring their own. Just make sure either way; you have plenty of room to keep the beer cold. If you live in a state that is going through the cold of winter, you can always put the cases of beer outside.

For more recipes, menu ideas and more, check out our Super Bowl Sunday article in our Holiday Traditions section of Recipe4Living and for more party idea's check out Sarah's Party Guide in our A Dash of Fun section.