Throw Down, Super Bowl

Hey there sports fan! Marie here, ready for the event of the year. I was just (literally, fifteen minutes ago) invited to a Super Bowl party, and now I have to whip together portable snacks fit to impress the new guy across the hall. I tasted his venison chili last night, this is some stiff competition. So now the question is, what will I bring? My A game, that's what I'll bring.

Roasted Red Pepper hummus

1 15.5 oz can chick peas
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup olive oil
3 tbsp lemon juice
1 red bell pepper

Lightly oil a small skillet over medium high heat. Chop the pepper in to strips and remove the seeds. Toss on skillet and roast, moving constantly, until tender and charred.
Combine all ingredients in a food processor and grind until smooth. Salt to taste.

Note: less liquid for a creamier consistency, but then you should gradually add the garlic to taste so it doesn't get overpowering.


Pasta Salad

It is pretty impossible to screw this one up.

1 box ziti or penne pasta
1 cup peas
1 cup sweet corn
1 cup spinach, chiffonade
1/4 onion, minced
1 cup chopped carrots
1 tsp paprika
2 tbsp Balsamic vinegar
2 cups Italian dressing

Cook pasta according to package directions. Rinse in cold water, and toss with vegetables in a large salad bowl. Mix vinegar and paprika, and pour over the salad. Toss until well coated. Add the dressing and toss once more right before serving,