Super Bowl Entertaining: Go Gourmet on a Budget

Robert Doyle READ TIME: 2 MIN.

Super Bowl parties are synonymous with greasy finger foods, but you can create a quick, easy and impressive spread that will allow you to watch the game, not the stove.

Food Network's Claire Robinson offers up important game-time tips, as well as a few mouth-watering recipes that are sure to be a hit with the fans!

Entertaining Tips:

Take ingredients from your kitchen, that way you'll use what you have.

Entertain buffet style. Guests end up taking only what they want without the waste.

Always pick "double duty" ingredients to cut recipe and prep time down.

Make dishes ahead of time, that way you can also enjoy the game!

Spicy Citrus Mozzarella Bites
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� 8 oz. fresh cherry-size mozzarella balls (bocconcini), drained

� 1 tsp. red pepper flakes

� Zest of 1 lemon

� 3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil

� 1 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh basil

� Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste


-Mix all the ingredients together in a bowl and serve immediately or chill in refrigerator until ready to eat.

Vanilla Oatmeal Cookies
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� 1 cup all-purpose flour

� 3/4 tsp. baking powder

� 1/2 tsp. baking soda

� 1/4 tsp. salt

� 1/2 cup unsalted butter , at room temperature

� 1/2 cup granulated sugar

� 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar

� 1 large egg

� 4 Tbsp. Coffee-mate Natural Bliss Low-fat Vanilla, divided

� 2 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats

� 1 cup powdered sugar

� 1/2 tsp. grated orange peel (optional)


-PREHEAT oven to 350� F.
-COMBINE flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt in medium bowl; stir.
-BEAT butter, granulated sugar and brown sugar in medium mixer bowl until combined. Increase speed to medium; continue to beat about 1 minute longer or until light and creamy. Add egg and 1 Tbsp. Coffee-mate until fully incorporated. With mixer running at low speed, add flour mixture; mix just until incorporated and smooth. With mixer still running on low, gradually add oats; mix until well incorporated.
-SCOOP dough by level tablespoon, then roll between palms into balls. Place on ungreased baking sheets, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Using fingertips, gently press each dough ball to 3/4-inch thickness.
-BAKE for 13 to 15 minutes or until golden brown and edges are crisp. Cool for 2 minutes on baking sheets; remove to wire racks to cool completely.
-COMBINE powdered sugar, remaining 3 tablespoons Coffee-mate and orange peel in medium bowl; stir well. With fork or spoon, drizzle over cookies. Allow glaze to set for 15 minutes before serving.


by Robert Doyle

Long-term New Yorkers, Mark and Robert have also lived in San Francisco, Boston, Provincetown, D.C., Miami Beach and the south of France. The recipient of fellowships at MacDowell, Yaddo, and Blue Mountain Center, Mark is a PhD in American history and literature, as well as the author of the novels Wolfchild and My Hawaiian Penthouse. Robert is the producer of the documentary We Are All Children of God. Their work has appeared in numerous publications, as well as at : www.mrny.com.

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