A Winning Snack Buffet

1957 - my dad and me. Unfortunately, I did not get his prowess on the basketball court.

It's NCAA tournament week. It's time for basketball and for the hoops version of a tailgate party.

From upper left: Cheese Popcorn, chips (purchased), Toffee Snack Mix, Wholly Guacamole, Chipotle Raspberry Black Bean Dip, shrimp cocktail (purchased), Recipe links are at the bottom of this post.

We'll be in Manhattan - AKA the Little Apple - for the annual Kansas Master Farmers/Homemakers convention. But we will definitely find a television to watch our K-State Wildcats take on Michigan State this evening in the Big Apple. Go 'Cats!

Toffee Snack Mix

Pretzel Bites.

During the preseason, our Wildcats were predicted to finish at the bottom of the Big 12. And now they are dancing in the Sweet Sixteen. New coach Jerome Tang had just two players to work with when he became head coach a year ago. He put together a ragtag team through the transfer portal. He and the team call it CRAZY FAITH, and they put together a magical season. And, in the meantime, he generated positive change across the student body and the entire Wildcat Nation.

You can put together some magical treats - whether you're cheering for the Wildcats or another team or you just like basketball.  Yes, it's the second weekend of games in the NCAA tournament. Maybe you reached your quota last weekend with games from morning to night on four different TV stations. But basketball enthusiasts still love the game - and the snacks. 

If you're looking to add to your NCAA snack buffet, here are some tried and true options from Kim's County Line. As always, I don't share recipes unless they are get the thumbs up after I've made them here at home.  You can always search my blog for tried-and-true recipes. Type in "sandwiches," "meatballs," "snack mix," "drop cookies," "dips," "bar cookies," etc., in the search engine in the upper lefthand corner of the blog. It will give you lots of options.

Visit the links below for the recipes:

 

 Chipotle Raspberry Black Bean Dip 

Photo from Cooking for Keeps. For more information and lots more about the recipe, go to the Cooking for Keeps blog.

 

WARNING: Neon yellow fingers are a side effect of this snack. Cheese Popcorn.

 

If you want to get really fancy like a popcorn specialty shop, combine cheese popcorn and Caramel Corn. (Click here for the Caramel Corn recipe.) 

Wholly Guacamole

Baked Brie

Team Spirit Munch

Deli Slices

 

Southwest Ranch Cheese Dip

 

Oven-Baked BBQ Ribs AND Sweet & Sour Baked Beans

BBQ Meatballs - Make them full-size or bite-sized

Chili Lime Tacos with Grilled Pineapple Salsa 
Homemade Guacamole

 Cheesy Pull-Apart Sliders

 Zesty Italian Wraps

Turkey Club Pinwheels

Cranberry Cream Cheese Dip

 

Lemon Muddy Buddies

 

Super Snack Mix-Up

 

Brownies for a Crowd

Butterfinger Blondies (I'm hoping the Michigan State Spartans have butterfingers tonight.)

Peanut Butter S'Mores Bars

 

Gridley Cheese Ball

 

Baked Ham Harvest Sandwiches

(aka Funeral Sandwiches)