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It’s that time again and football season is in full swing. Minnesota takes their Vikings games very seriously. Fans wear purple jerseys and some hang Vikings flags from their homes. Many people get together on a Sunday night to drink beer, eat snacks, and watch the game with friends.

The easy solution is to throw some chips or pretzels into a bowl next to a bowl of store bought dip. However, with a little bit of effort (not too much), there are some delicious and simple snacks which are sure to please any football fan. Invite some friends over for the next Vikings game and serve one or all of these snacks. You will be the best host ever!

Deviled Eggs:

6 eggs, hard boiled, cooled and peeled

2 Tbsp. mayonnaise

1 tsp. Dijon mustard

1 tsp. white wine vinegar

1 Tbsp. celery, minced

½ onion, minced

1 clove garlic, minced

Dash of hot pepper sauce

1/8 celery salt

Salt and pepper to taste

3 sprigs parsley for garnish

Dash of paprika for garnish

Slice the eggs in half and spoon the yolk into a large bowl. Combine mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, vinegar, celery, onion, garlic, pepper sauce, celery salt and salt and pepper.  Mix well. Spoon this mixture back into the egg whites. Sprinkle the paprika over the finished eggs and top with parsley for garnish.

5 Layer Bean Dip:

2 cans black beans

2 C. cheddar cheese, shredded

1 onion, chopped

1 C. Salsa

½  C. sour cream

Place one two cans of black beans into an oven ready dish. Pour the cheese over the beans. Cook in a preheated 350 degree oven until cheese melts and beans are warm (about 15 minutes). Layer the onions, salsa and sour cream. Serve with tortilla chips.

Bruschetta:

1 loaf French or Italian bread, sliced in half lengthwise

2 cloves garlic sliced in half and 1 Tbsp. minced

1 Tbsp olive oil

¼ C. Parmigiano cheese, freshly grated

1/3 C. basil, thinly sliced

2 Tbsp. balsamic

Salt and pepper to taste.

Preheat the broiler and place the rack six inches beneath broiler. Rub the sliced garlic onto the face of the bread halves. Drizzle the olive oil on the bread. Top with the cheese. Place this into the oven until golden brown (about ten minutes). In a separate bowl, combine tomatoes, garlic, basil, vinegar, oil, salt and pepper. Stir. Once you take the bread out of the oven, cut into desired sizes. Top the bread pieces with the tomato mixture. Serve.