Super Sunday, Part 2

Super Sunday, Part 2

Super Bowl...it is just the best!  I would not describe myself as a football super-fan but I am a fan of gathering together with awesome friends and sharing delicious snacks!  I also just love the ritual of football.  It is a comforting Sunday tradition that brings people together...what's not to like!

Jonathan and I decided to have a little competition to make this Super Bowl extra exciting.  We had a battle of the cheese dips!

We made 

Beer Cheese Dip

The Recipe  

 and

Vegan Queso

The Recipe

The mix for the vegan queso!

Thank you Food52.com and CookieandKate.com for the great recipes!

We also decided to make homemade soft pretzels!  

Pretzel Recipe

We had a blast putting these together and we will definitely be making them again soon.

Ah...the KithchenAid!  It is my favorite tool!

Mastering the technique

We were curious about what gives the pretzels their distinct flavor.  The answer: A Warm Bath!  You simmer the dough in a mix of water, baking soda, and brown sugar and that is what gives them their pretzel-ness.  The recipe said they would come out "shaggy".  I love that description.

Simmering away!

Once they were simmered, they baked for 18 minutes and this is what came out of the oven!

Chewy, Soft Pretzels!

We brought all the goodies to a friends house and they were a hit!! Non-vegans ate up that queso and LOVED it!  There was not a clear winner for the dips. We decided they were both just too good.

Our Spread!

Our snacks were in good company.  We had chili and mac and cheese and dips galore!  Our friend made his family's traditional Clam Chowder.  This recipe is handed down to the sons when they get married...its a secret and a beautiful tradition.  Food and tradition...friends and wine...It was a good day!

View from our Super Bowl Party!

GO DENVER!!!