Superbowl Sunday...

Our household is looking forward to some good football today.  Although neither of our teams made it I am still sporting my green and gold and the hubby is in his black and silver.

I've been cooking up a storm since food (and the commercials) are what superbowl Sunday is all about.  Here are a couple of the recipes I made for today:

Soft Pretzel Bites
4 t. Active dry yeast
1 t white sugar
1 1/4 c warm water
5 c flour
1/4 c sugar
1/4 c brown sugar
1 1/2 t salt
2 T melted butter

1/2 c baking soda
4 c hot water
2 egg whites
2 T melted butter (cooled)
Kosher salt, topping

In measuring cup dissolve yeast and 1 t sugar in warm water.  Set aside.

In mixing bowl with dough hook, combine flour, sugars and salt on low speed.  Turn off mixer and pour yeast mixture and melted butter in.  Knead for 6-8 minutes until dough is smooth.  If dry add 1 T water at a time.

Lightly oil large bowl.  Shape dough into ball.  Cover with towel.  Allow to rise 1 hour or double in size.

Preheat oven 450 degree.  Lined baking sheets with parchment paper.  In large bowl combine hot water and baking soda.  in small bowl whisk egg whites and butter.  Punch down dough, knead 1 minute.

Lightly flour surface and divide dough into 12 pieces.  Roll into snake, cut into 1 1/2" pieces.  Dip in baking soda water.  Brush with egg white/butter mixture.  Sprinkle with salt.

Bake 7-8 minutes.

Beer Cheese Dip (for pretzels)
6 oz cream cheese
1/2 c beer
1 T horseradish
1/2 t garlic powder
3/4 c grated cheese

Microwave cream cheese until soft (30-45 sec).  Stir in beer, horseradish and garlic.  Microwave 30-45 sec.  Add cheese and stir until melted.

Buffalo Chicken Dip
2 poached chicken breasts, shredded
2 - 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
1 c sour cream
3/4 c buffalo sauce
1 t garlic powder
1 1/2 c shredded cheese

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Mix all but 1/2 c cheese in mixer.  Put in 8 x 8 pan.  Sprinkle with cheese.  Bake 15 minutes.  Broil 1-2 minutes.

Enjoy some great appetizers!!!