Time for some cookin . . .

Getting started on some Superbowl dishes for the big game (party) tomorrow afternoon. The Boyle's family is hosting this year so we are all bringing something. It will be GREAT! to see the tailgater's of Beaver Nation, we haven't seen everybody since the Civil War get together, a few of us got together for the Bowl game. I'm sharing some recipes I'm taking tomorrow, thought maybe you would enjoy them too. I'm going to try to keep that "diet" mentality on the most fabulous food day of the year, and apparently I need to be monitoring my expanding hip size as well, hmmpffff, stupid doctor. It's going to be a challenge. Portion control is the key! so what happens if I have about 30 small portions (nibbles or munches) spread over 6 hours?? Guess I will find out! GO CARDINALS!!!

Yummy Hamburger Dip

1 1/2lb. of hamburger

taco seasoning (desired amount)

1 can (lg) of refried beans

1 1/2 c. sour cream

1/2 bottle - Green taco sauce (select mild, medium or hot, whatever you like)

2 c. shredded cheese (mexican blend)

Cook hamburger, drain fat, combine desired amount of taco seasoning with a little water, stir until taco consistency. Layer in a 9X13 pan the following, hamburger mixture, refried beans, sour cream, taco sauce, shredded cheese. Bake in 350 degree oven for 30 minutes. Serve with tortilla chips.

Veggie Pizza Squares

2 pkgs. Pillsbury crescent rolls

2/3 c. Best Foods mayonnaise

1/2 c. sour cream

2 (8oz) pkgs. cream cheese, softened

1 envelope Uncle Dan's zesty Ranch dressing

red pepper, broccoli, carrots, cucumber (chopped into small pieces)

Spread crescent roll dough on a 11X17 jelly roll pan. bake 7-8 minutes at 375 degrees or until lightly browned. Cool. Combine mayo, s. cream, cream cheese and ranch dressing. Spread on crust. At this point you can either combine all the vegies together and spread over the top OR square off cheese mixture and place each vegie in a square (I think this looks cooler). Cover with plastic wrap and press vegies gently into the cheese mixture. Refrigerate and cut into squares. This can me made a day ahead.

Taco Salad

(from the old "Mr. Food" show on Channel 8)

This makes a huge salad so you may want to cut in half sometimes for smaller get togethers. Serves 10-12

1 lb hamburger

1 pkg. taco seasoning

1 medium head of lettuce

2 c. cheedar cheese (shredded)

1 16oz can dark red kidney beans (I use black beans instead) drained/rinsed

2 large tomatoes (dices)

2 cans (2 12oz) sliced black olives

1 bag Cool Ranch flavored Doritos (crushed)

1 bottle of Catalina or French Dressing

Brown hamburger, drain, add seasoning mix and cook through. Set aside to cool a bit. Tear lettuce into bite size pieces. In a large salad bowl, layer as follows: 1/2 lettuce, 1/2 cheese, 1/2 beans, 1/2 hamburger, 1/2 tomatoes, 1/2 olives. Repeat.

At this point you can cover and store overnight if needed.

Before serving add crushed Doritos to top of salad and toss. Add dressing and toss lightly again. It's really good!