What I'm Loving this Week: Super Bowl Edition

Word on the street is there's a big football game coming up. I think it's called the Super Bowl (though I can't agree that either of the two teams playing are "super"). Since my work football pool ended about 7 weeks ago, I've lost all interest in watching the games. I guess I'll tune in for the commercials, but I don't even have halftime entertainment to look forward to since we're flashing back to the 80's this year with Madonna. So really, all I care about this year is the food and the premiere of The Voice after the game.

And to those of you who plan to watch The Voice this season, keep an eye out for my childhood friend, Ducky Duke, who announced his audition will be airing on the premiere. He can't say whether or not he made it as a contestant, but he's got an outstanding voice and stage presence, so I'm betting that he did! Check out some of his music on his Facebook Page and give him a "like!" 

Also, a shameless reminder to vote for my Butterfluffer Cupcakes in the Celebrations Cupcake Crown! You can vote once a day until February 11th. 

Back to the food... Will and I are staying in to watch the game on Sunday night. That doesn't mean I'm going to compromise and miss out on all the yummy snacks you'd find at your typical Super Bowl Party. On our menu so far is buffalo chicken dip, pizza muffins and take-out wings.

Still looking for ideas for your party? I scoured Pinterest to find some great recipes, perfect for the Super Bowl! Check out the cheesy, beer laden, dressing drenched and sweet snacks below.

Source: blogs.babble.com via Amber on Pinterest

This cheesy Buffalo Chicken Dip is a spin on the classic version I'm used to making, but you can never go wrong with more cheese.

Almond Joy Brownie Sandwiches

I'm always looking for a easy way to jazz up boxed brownies. My boyfriend's love of almond joys inspired this brownie creation. I've seen almond joy brownie recipes in the past that incorporate flaked coconut and chopped almonds right into the batter, but I wanted something more closely resembling the candy. I wanted a sweet, flaky, yet creamy filling and a rich chocolate frosting. What makes this recipe so simple is that I used a brownie mix that includes a frosting packet, so there's no need to make your own frosting or ganache to top the brownies.

Raspberry Chambord Cheesecake Brownie Bites

I have a confession. On Saturday, I had my first blog post fail. I came up with the idea of these brownies. Dark chocolate brownies, with a raspberry chambord reduction and a cream cheese swirl. Except, I didn't want to bake them in a pan and cut them and inevitably end up with brownie crumbles, chunks and a mess. No, I wanted perfectly portioned individual brownie bites. Enter my "non-stick" mini muffin pan and a can of cooking spray.

The term non-stick clearly does not apply to brownies. Maybe there's some scientific reasoning for this? Too moist and dense perhaps? And, as I found out, not even the combination of a non-stick pan AND cooking spray will keep brownies from sticking to a mini muffin pan. So my plan to have perfectly portioned, beautiful mini brownie bites was ruined. Instead, I had mini brownies that could only be pried from the pan with a fork. Of course, this didn't stop me from eating the entire pan in one evening.