Party Time: Whip up the dips

Got a sudden urge to have people over? Maybe you've just decided that a little Super Bowl gathering this Sunday is a must. These are two top rated, easy speedy dip recipes from Food Network magazine that are sure to keep the guests hovering around the appetizer table.

Avocado? Hummus? Pizza? Yes please.

~Avocado Hummus~

Ingredients:
1 can chickpeas, drained
2 avocados, sliced
Juice of 1 lemon
2-3 teaspoons minced garlic
1/4 cup water
Salt and pepper to taste
3 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon paprika

Directions:
1) Place the first five ingredients in a food processor (chickpeas, avocados, lemon juice, garlic, and water). Pulse until blended.
2) Taste and add salt and pepper to your liking, pulse to combine.
3) Begin drizzling in the olive oil until the hummus gets to the right consistency, it should be nice and creamy.
4) Blend until smooth and serve topped with paprika and garnish with chopped cilantro (optional) and a drizzle of avocado oil (optional).
5) Place one of the avocado pits at the bottom of the dish. It helps prevent the avocados from turning brown. Serve with pita chips or alongside a veggie platter.

If you want to whip this up super fast, simply puree two avocados and stir in a 7 oz tub of store-bought hummus with a pinch of salt and a squeeze of lemon juice. Super good too on a tortilla wrapped with turkey or chicken and some lettuce and tomato for lunch. Num numm! And as a St. Patrick's Day dip as well!

~Pizza in a Pot Dip~

Ingredients:
2 cups tomato sauce
1 cup ricotta cheese
package of pepperoni
Mozzarella (diced)

Directions:
1) Warm 2 ups tomato sauce in a saucepan.
2) Top with 1 cup ricotta and heat until warmed through.
3) Put mixture in a small ovenproof dish.
4) Sprinkle with desired amount of diced mozzarella and sliced pepperoni. Or try sauteed mushrooms or crumbled cooked sausage.
5) Bake at 350 degrees F until bubbling, about 10 minutes.
6) Top with torn fresh basil and a drizzle of olive oil. Serve with crostini, baguettes or small pieces of french bread.

Both dips serve about 8-10 guests.

Neither of these doing it for you? Check out Food Network's 50 Super Bowl Snacks; everything from easy dips, sliders, snack mixes and more.

If you're serving an entire meal and need a little inspiration, check out my last year's Super Bowl Menu Ideas Post. From apps to desserts and everything in between.