Eat, drink and Hail Mary: food, beverage recipes for the game

For some, the Super Bowl is a time for great displays of athleticism. It is a time when athletes are gods, beer flows like water and high fives are the main form of communication. However, for some, the Super Bowl is really just all about the snacks.

So whether you're going to be pounding your chest as each yard is gained, or if the only passing your going to do is from a plate to your mouth, consider giving these Super Bowl snacks a chance.

Beer Cheese Dip

8 cups (2 pounds) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

1 medium onion, finely minced

1/2 teaspoon Tabasco sauce

2 tablespoons cream-style prepared horseradish

1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

2 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 bottle flat beer

Combine cheese, onion, Tabasco sauce, horseradish, red pepper flakes and garlic. Add enough beer for desired consistency of dip.

Serve with crackers, chips, or vegetable crudités.

Makes about 8 cups.

7 Layer Fiesta Dip

2 (8-ounce) packages low-fat cream cheese, softened

2 tablespoons taco seasoning mix (your favorite brand)

2 cups prepared guacamole (make your own or use ready-made)

2 cups tomato-based salsa

2 cups finely shredded iceberg lettuce

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

1 cup chopped green onions

2 (2-ounce) cans sliced black olives

In a small bowl, mix together cream cheese and seasoning mix. Spread mixture evenly onto the bottom of a 13 x 9 x 2-inch glass dish.

Top the seasoned cream cheese with the guacamole, salsa, lettuce, cheese, onions and olives in layers.

Serve immediately accompanied with tortilla or corn chips.

Refrigerate any remaining dip.

Quarterback Quesadillas

8 (10-inch) flour tortillas

1 pound cooked pork roast, chopped

1 cup reduced-fat Monterey Jack cheese

1 to 2 jalapeño peppers, seeded and minced (use rubber gloves when handling hot peppers)

1/4 cup minced onion

4 tablespoons minced cilantro

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Salsa, homemade or purchased for accompaniment

In large bowl, stir together the pork, cheese, peppers, onion, cilantro, salt and pepper.

Arrange one-eighth of the filling on each tortilla, covering half of it. Fold the tortilla over to make a half-moon. Place quesadillas, not touching, on shallow baking pans.

Bake in a 500 degree F. oven until tortillas are crisp and golden; about 5 minutes.

Transfer to large cutting board and cut into wedges to serve with salsa.

Serves 8.

Game Day Football Cake

1 (18.25-ounce) package chocolate cake mix

Chocolate Frosting:

1/2 cup butter

2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

3 cups powdered sugar

3 tablespoons milk

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

White Icing:

1/2 cup sifted powdered sugar

1 teaspoon butter, softened

2 to 3 teaspoons water

1. Grease and flour 13 x 9-inch baking pan; set aside.

2. Prepare cake batter and bake in prepared pan as directed on package. Cool 15 minutes; remove cake from pan to wire rack. Cool completely.

3. Trim corners and sides from cake to resemble football shape. Reserve trimmings for snacking or another use.

4. For Chocolate Frosting: Melt butter in a large microwave safe bowl; stir in cocoa. Add powdered sugar alternately with milk and vanilla, beating to spreading consistency. Frost cake.

5. For White Icing: In a small bowl combine powdered sugar, butter and just enough water to create a smooth consistency. Place in a small, self-closing plastic bag; snip off a tiny corner and use to "draw" the stitches of the football. If desired, place toy football toy decorations around cake.

Makes 15 servings.

All recipes are from http://www.cooksrecipes.com/holiday-recipes/super-bowl-party-recipes.html