Thank you Nabisco for sponsoring this post. This post was written by Suzie Boluarte and all opinion are my own.
Ahh February, the month that holds that one Sunday where we can skip counting calories to indulge on festive food and drinks while enjoying the Big Game. Whether your team is playing or not, it’s the perfect excuse to gather-up friends and host a party. If you’re a rookie, hosting a party is fun and easy, especially when you do all your shopping at Smart & Final!
So get ready to score big with these tips:
Send Online Invitations.
This is an organized way for you to see exactly how many guests will be attending. Make sure to include a “RSVP by” date to determine how much food and drinks you’ll need before you head to your local Smart & Final.
Get Your Home Game Day Ready.
Make sure to have enough seats facing the main focal point…the television. If you don’t have enough seats, throw some blankets and pillows on the floor. Set up food and drinks nearby. Use plastic tablecloths for easy clean-up and decorate your home with team colors. Also, be sure to make room for activities and crafts to occupy guests who aren’t that interested in the game.
One-Stop-Shop.
Smart & Final is the one-stop-shop to get club-sized items for all your Big Game needs without a membership fee. You’ll find party supplies to match your team colors, fresh produce, snacks, drinks, and so much more! They’ve got it all to help make your experience stress-free.
Food for the WIN.
Go for the win with delicious and easy to make Big Game food that guests will love. My favorite appetizer to make for a gathering is Street Corn Dip with Avocado Cream and all of the ingredients can be purchased from your local Smart & Final. The recipe can easily be doubled to serve larger crowds!
Street Corn Dip with Avocado Cream
What You Need
1 ear corn on the cob, husks and silk removed, grilled
1 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh cilantro
1-1/2 tsp. minced fresh jalapeño peppers
1/4 tsp. chipotle chile pepper powder
3 Tbsp. crumbled Cotija cheese, divided
2 tsp. zest and 1 Tbsp. juice from 2 limes, divided
1 small fully ripe avocado
1/2 cup light sour cream
2 Tbsp. reduced-fat mayonnaise
1/4 tsp. onion powder
WHEAT THINS Original Snacks
Make It
Cut kernels off ear of corn. (See Tip.) Combine corn kernels with cilantro, jalapeños, chipotle powder, 2 Tbsp. cheese, 1 tsp. lime zest and 1-1/2 tsp. lime juice. Refrigerate until ready to use.
Mash avocado in medium bowl. Add sour cream, mayonnaise, dry seasonings, and remaining lime zest and juice; mix well.
Spread avocado mixture onto bottom of serving dish; top with corn mixture and remaining cheese.
Serve with WHEAT THINS.
Tips
Make Ahead
The corn mixture can be refrigerated up to 2 days before using as directed. Since the avocado mixture will turn brown, it is best to prepare the avocado mixture just before assembling and serving the dip. But if you do want to make it ahead of time, cover the filled bowl with plastic wrap, pressing the plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the avocado mixture. Refrigerate up to 2 hours. Stir just before using to assemble the dip.
Special Extra
Cut additional lime into wedges; use to garnish dip just before serving along with additional jalapeño pepper slices and fresh cilantro sprigs.
How to Grill the Corn
Heat grill pan on medium heat. Place ear of corn in hot pan. Grill 15 to 20 min. or until kernels are evenly charred, turning frequently. Cool. Place small bowl upside down in large bowl. Stand corn cob on small bowl, then use sharp knife to carefully cut kernels off corn ear into large bowl.
For more ideas, visit Nabisco’s Big Game recipe board on Pinterest.
