Essential Super Bowl Appetizers for Exhausted Cooks

When hunger collides with Superbowl Sunday, it's time to hit the kitchen.
I've compiled a collection of easy appetizers for exhausted cooks.

Pesto Pinwheels are savory and satisfying...


In the mood for fast nibbles?

 What could be more perfect than Tabasco pecans?

They're simple, quick, savory, and low carb.

Perfect for frenzied people.

Tabasco Pecans

2 lbs pecan halves

2 packets Good Seasons Italian Seasoning Mix

1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter

Worcestershire sauce

Tabasco

minced garlic

Kosher salt, pepper

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Preheat oven 350 degrees.

Meanwhile, melt butter in a large pan over medium flame.

Add pecans and stir.

Add a few jolts of Worchestershire sauce.

Sprinkle seasoning packets over pecans.

Add garlic last, if you're adding it, so it won't burn. I like lots, maybe 3 Tablespoons.

Add Tabasco to taste.

Salt & pepper.

Bake 30 minutes; stir every 10 minutes (or not at all, if you

are truly frenzied).

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Puff pastry sheets are the exhausted cook's best friend.

Pesto Pinwheels
What You Need:
puff pastry sheets
pesto
chill, slice, and bake at 400 degrees for 12 minutes or until brown.


My old standby, Pickapeppa Sauce, transforms cream cheese





Pickapeppa Brick

What You Need
cream cheese
1 bottle Pick-a-Peppa Sauce
chopped onions (white or red--or a combo)
chopped green onions and basil (or any herb)
sliced Roma tomatoes

Place a "brick" of cream cheese on a serving platter. Sprinkle chopped onions over the cheese. Pour sauce over the top of the brick. Spread crackers around the plate. As the cheese reaches room temperature, your appetizer will disappear.

If you have extra puff pastry sheets, make a pesto tart.


While it baked, the house smelled spicy and aromatic.




Pesto Tart

What You Need
puff pastry sheets
pesto
mozzarella
basil leaves
Roma tomatoes
Defrost the puff pastry sheet and roll gently into a rectangle (or square). Spread with  pesto. Add cheese and tomatoes. Bake at 400 degrees for 12 minutes or until puffed and brown. Garnish with basil.

Garnishing is the exhausted cook's secret weapon. It's a fast way to make an appetizer look complex.







Pinwheel sandwiches can be assembled in a minute.

Pinwheels

What You Need
Slices of ham, turkey, and provolone.
Spread with chutney and layer with basil (or lettuce) leaves, then roll and chill until game time. If desired, slice the rolls to make itty finger food.




So, for this Superbowl Sunday,
you don't have to spend hours in the kitchen.
You can kick back and watch the game.




These recipes are a foodie version of the Homegirl who knows you're tired. Homegirl is looking out for you.
She watches your back--and we all need help on Super Bowl weekend.
So while your appetizers bake, you can take a few minutes to relax before your guests arrive.
These simple appetizers will do their best to please!

What are you cooking on game day? Do you have an old stand-by or a new favorite recipe?