Collegiate Times

"I think I did a stupid thing," I say to my mom over the phone.

And I must have paused a little too dramatically because before I can tell her what it is, she runs the whole gamut of truly bad things, giving me a rather honest look at what she really thinks I'm doing at college.

Feeling slightly better that I don't have to worry about any of those things, but still wondering what I've gotten myself into, I say, "No, no. Nothing like that."

I just offered to host a Super Bowl party -- the "guest list" for which includes the staunchest Patriots (and everything else Boston for that matter) fan I've ever met and the biggest trash-talking Giants fan I've ever known. And to put it kindly, they're both lousy losers and worse winners. This could get heated. After scolding me for making her worry, she wonders what the big deal is about that?

"Just make sure there's enough places to sit and enough good food to eat and everyone will be fine."

I figure she's right, so I plan on putting out at least three dips with veggies and chips and probably some wings and chili. The key is sticking with things that can be served cold or in a crock-pot so that you don't have to miss the game in the name of serving food and playing host. So, whether you're in the same sticky situation as me or you just want some good food to go with some good football, hopefully these Super Bowl-party-appropriate recipes will do the trick and/or keep the peace.