The traditional Super Bowl Party is probably the least fussy, most unpretentious party you can host all year, so there is no point in holding back. Finger-licking, heart burn causing, high fat foods are to be expected. There is no guilt on this night. Just remember that the real focus is on the game… or is it the commercials… or is it the food.

There can be so much more to a Super Bowl Party spread than chips and dip. Although chips and dip are required, it is not difficult to give them a little pizzazz. And how about spicy Buffalo wings, chili, and pizza (even if it is from Domino’s)?

Even if your team doesn’t make it to the big game, kick back, and enjoy the grub. Here are a few tips from Donna Pilato on Planning Your Super Bowl Party. After you’ve gone through the check-list try some of the tasty snack recipes.

• Plan simple, portable foods. A buffet is your only option. Nobody wants to be sitting down at a table to eat when they’d rather be screaming at a television set or two.

• Set up as many televisions as you have available around the party area.

• Don’t prepare recipes that will keep you locked in the kitchen all night. You should enjoy the party too.

• Have one room set aside without a television for partygoers who aren’t interested in the game and would like a quieter place to talk.

• Likewise, set up one room with a television for serious football fans who don’t want to be distracted by idle chatter.

• If you feel compelled to decorate, think team colors, footballs, team jerseys, goal posts, and pennants. But don’t knock yourself out. Most eyes will be more impressed by the clear reception on your television.

• Have lots of paper towels, napkins and rug cleaner handy for messes created during exciting plays.

• Keep a little spare change and small bills handy for any betting pools that just might pop up over the course of the evening.

Buffalo Wings

oil for deep frying
¼ cup butter
¼ cup hot sauce
1 dash ground black pepper
1 dash garlic powder
½ cup all-purpose flour
¼ teaspoon paprika
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
¼ teaspoon salt
10 chicken wings

In a small bowl mix together the flour, paprika, cayenne pepper and salt. Place chicken wings in a large nonporous glass dish or bowl and sprinkle flour mixture over them until they are evenly coated. Cover dish or bowl and refrigerate for 60 to 90 minutes.

Combine the butter, hot sauce, pepper and garlic powder in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir together and heat until butter is melted and mixture is well blended. Remove from heat and reserve for serving.

Heat oil in a deep fryer to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). The oil should be just enough to cover wings entirely, an inch or so deep.

Fry coated wings in hot oil for 10 to 15 minutes, or until parts of wings begin to turn brown. Remove from heat, place wings in serving bowl, add hot sauce mixture and stir together. Serve.

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Easy Delicious Chili

2 pounds lean ground beef
1 (46 fluid ounce) can tomato juice
1 (29 ounce) can tomato sauce
1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15 ounce) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
1 ½ cups chopped onion
¼ cup chopped green bell pepper
1/8 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
½ teaspoon white sugar
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
1 teaspoon salt
1 ½ teaspoons ground cumin
¼ cup chili powder
Place ground beef in a large, deep skillet. Cook over medium-high heat until evenly brown. Drain, and crumble.

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