Chocolate Football Rice Krispie Treats and Playoff Pinwheels

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

13 Jan 2008 12:32 AM

With all due respect to the Green Bay Packers (who walked away with a victory tonight and are one step closer to the Super Bowl)--the best part of the playoff party I just attended was the food. In my previous blog I shared two hearty dip recipes that I took to the football viewing party I just came home from. My friends and I gathered together to cheer on the green and gold, but I must admit when the team was down 14 points I made a dash to the buffet table and stayed there for much of the night (the TV was in plain view from the spread).

All of the contributions to the playoff potluck were tremendous. But there were a few dishes that shone as bright as the legendary team from Lambeau and I felt compelled to share them with you in case you wanted to make them for your next get together. (There are two more playoff games set to air Sunday.)

The first is a dessert your kids will LOVE. It's a twist on the traditional Rice Krispies treats. Instead of creating boring squares one of my friends shaped the cereal into miniature footballs--complete with candy laces. They were almost too cute to eat... but after biting into one I changed my mind. They were chocolaty and fabulous.

The other dish was a simple wrap sandwich my friend dubbed "Playoff Pinwheels" in honor of the game. They are super easy to make and even easier to eat (which helps when you are using your free hand to wave at officials who can't see you). These particular pinwheels have an extra kick to them thanks to the clever addition of cucumber and olives.

The next time you are invited to a gathering and are looking for simple and affordable recipes to take along, I highly recommend the following:

CHOCOLATE FOOTBALL RICE KRISPIE TREATS

Ingredients:

6 squares Bakers semi-sweet baking chocolate

1/2 cup light corn syrup

1 tablespoon margarine

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

4 cups of Rice Krispies OR Cocoa Pebbles cereal

White decorating gel

Directions:

Microwave chocolate, corn syrup and butter in large bowl on HIGH for 2 1/2 minutes. Stir well.

Add in vanilla. Add cereal. Mix well.

Cool for 10 minutes.

Shape into 18 (3 inch long) football shapes with lightly moistened hands. Place on wax paper and cool completely.

Use decorating gel to add laces. Let stand until laces are firm.

PLAYOFF PINWHEELS

Ingredients:

1 pound of thinly sliced deli roast beef

1 container (8 oz.) soft cream cheese with chives and onion

4 medium flour tortillas

1 cup cucumber, finely chopped and seeded

2 cans (4-1/4 oz. each) ripe olives, chopped and pitted (you could use green olives too)

Directions:

Spread cream cheese evenly on one side of each tortilla. Top each with equal amounts of cucumber and olives. Layer deli roast beef over olives, leaving 1/2-inch border around edges. Roll up tightly.

To serve, cut each roll crosswise in half.

Tip: For a spicy twist, add green chilies instead of the cucumber slices, and dip in salsa.

More Party Food Recipes:

Football Food

Baked Beans and Cheesy Wedges

Shrimp-tastic Snacks

Delightfully Delicious Dips

Hearty Party Dips

Super Sandwiches for the Big Bowl Games

Bowl-o-Rama: Party Recipes for Football Fans

Two Appetizers For Your Holiday Party: Deep Fried Tortellini and Artichoke Dip

Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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