Thursday
April 25, 2024 
The Super Bowl will take place later than usual this year, thanks to the addition of a 17th game to the season. Scheduled for Feb. 13, it means party givers have a little more time to plan and shop for ingredients that might be scarce because of disruptions in the national supply chain.
The Super Bowl is practically a national holiday in the United States, and with every holiday come special foods.
Most Super Bowl fare is food eaten without utensils: sandwiches, dips with chips, wings, pizza, cookies and brownies. Soups and chilis require bowls and cups or spoons, which still mean minimal cleanup. While winter is traditionally a time when people are careful about what they eat as they look forward to swimsuit weather, the Super Bowl is one day allowed for indulgences.
The change in the date of the Super Bowl from the first Sunday in February to the second puts it right next to Valentine’s Day. In some minds that will be a perfect pairing with a valentine-themed Super Bowl meal, but for most of us it is not necessarily a good thing. Those who opt to go out to dinner for Valentine’s Day can go over the weekend rather than waiting for Monday. Or can delay their Valentine’s Day celebration until the following weekend.
Whatever you decide to do, enjoy the game, its many entertaining commercials, and its delightful array of foods.
Here is a recipe from tasteofhome.com for an easy queso dip that you can tailor to your own tastes. It’s made using real cheeses and you adjust the heat to what you prefer. Use low-fat cheeses for a healthier dip; add chopped pepperoni for a meatier option.
2 tablespoons butter
1 medium onion, chopped
1 to 2 garlic cloves, minced
1 can (4 ounces) chopped green chilies
2 tablespoons cornstarch
Step 1: Sauté onion and garlic
In a saucepan, heat butter over medium-high heat; sauté onion and garlic until tender. Then, add the chilies; cook and stir for about 5 minutes.
Step 2: Stir in milk
In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and milk until smooth; stir into onion mixture. Bring to a boil. Now you want to cook and stir gently until thickened, about 1 to 2 minutes.
Step 3: Add in cheese and melt
Reduce heat to low and gradually stir in cheeses. You should add in small amounts and allow cheese to melt between additions. You want to make sure the cheese is melted through for the perfect dipping consistency.
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