Host a great Superbowl party, complete with amazing food and drinks.

I love football season, and the epitome of football is the Superbowl. Every year, we get together with my parents, have some great food and cheer on our favorite team. Two years ago, our beloved Seattle Seahawks won the NFC Championship, and were headed to the Superbowl. I knew we had to have the ultimate football extravaganza, and so I went on a quest for the perfect Superbowl party menus.

It doesn’t look like the Seahawks will be there this year ? barring a miracle ? but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t all have a blast watching the big game and enjoying some great food and drinks.

Beer Margaritas

Now, I know beer is usually the beverage of choice for Superbowl party menus, but if you want to change things up a bit, try this recipe from All Recipes:

• 1 12-ounce can of frozen limeade concentrate
• 12 fluid ounces tequila
• 12 fluid ounces water
• 12 fluid ounces beer ? use a light-flavored beer
• Ice
• 1 lime, cut into wedges

Combine limeade, water, tequila and beer in pitcher; mix well. Add ice. Pour into six margarita glasses; garnish with lime wedges.

Hot Wings

The first thing you want in a football party spread is convenience. We’re talking plate-on-your-lap, napkin-tucked-into-your-shirt, no-need-for-utensils kind of food. And what fits the bill better than hot wings? Here’s a recipe for hot wings I found on All Recipes.

• Oil for deep-frying
• ª cup butter
• ª cup hot sauce
• 1 dash ground black pepper
• 1 dash garlic powder
• ® cup all purpose flour
• ª teaspoon paprika
• ª teaspoon cayenne pepper
• ª teaspoon salt
• 10 chicken wings
• Blue cheese salad dressing

Heat enough oil to cover the wings in a deep fryer to 375 F. In a small saucepan over low heat, combine butter, hot sauce, pepper and garlic powder. Stir until combined and butter is melted. Remove from heat and set aside. Mix together flour, paprika, cayenne and salt in a small bowl. Place wings in a large glass bowl, sprinkle with flour mixture until evenly coated, cover and refrigerate for an hour or so. Fry the wings in hot oil for 10 to 15 minutes until the wings start to brown. Remove the wings from heat, place in a clean bowl, and mix with the hot sauce mixture. Serve with blue cheese dressing for dipping.
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Pinwheels

For a great no-utensils-needed appetizer, try some pinwheels. Pinwheels are easy to make, and you can add or switch ingredients in order to personalize them.

Start with some burrito-size flour tortillas or wraps. I like the sun-dried tomato and basil flavor. Spread the wrap with some cream cheese. You can use plain or stir in some ranch dressing or use some of the pre-flavored cream cheese. Layer a thin-sliced deli meat like ham or salami and some thin-sliced cheese. You can also add some onions or peppers for a little kick. Roll the wrap tightly and secure it with toothpicks. Slice into one-inch thick wheels. These are always a hit.

Dips

Another food that is perfect for a football party is a dip with chips or veggies or bread cubes. This is my favorite dip to go with yellow corn tortilla chips. My uncle invented it for a New Year’s Eve party.

Warm Cheesy Bean Dip

• 1 small box of Velveeta cheese, cut into cubes
• 1 can refried beans
• 1 small jar salsa ? medium or hot, depending on how spicy you want it
• 1 package cream cheese

Combine all of the ingredients in a large microwave safe bowl. Cook on high for two minutes, stir and cook some more. Continue cooking and stirring until the cheeses are completely melted and all the ingredients are combined. Serve warm with tortilla chips ? I prefer the yellow corn kind.

Here’s another dip recipe. Buy a round loaf of French bread, carve out the middle and cube it, and serve the dip inside the shell of the loaf. Dip the bread cubes and veggies or tortilla chips.

Spinach Dip

• 1 10-ounce package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
• 1 8-ounce container sour cream
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1 .4-ounce packet of Knorr dry vegetable soup mix

Combine all ingredients, mix well and refrigerate for at least four hours. Stir before serving.

That should get you started on a great spread for your Superbowl party. Throw in some chips and soda, maybe some cookies, and you should be all set. If you want some more great ideas, check out All Recipes or the Food Network. They’ve both got some great ideas for football-themed parties.