Throw a super party

If you spend the day of the big game in the kitchen, you're missing the point of a Super Bowl party.

Which doesn't mean you can't have great grub for the game. But getting the goods onto the coffee table shouldn't detract from your time on the couch in front of the screen.

It's easy to do a lot of the work in advance, since the very essence of sports-event eating is snack food, not complicated or exotic dishes. The key is taking flavors and presentation up a notch.

Setting up assemble-it-yourself dishes gives those less inclined to watch every play a good gathering spot with something to amuse themselves.

Dips can be done the day before. Most benefit from a day in the refrigerator, which gives the flavors time to develop. For a near-instant dip that improves with overnight chilling, stir pesto into a tub of sour cream. Serve it with pita chips or sliced baguette.

Chili dishes also benefit from being made the day before. Set out a variety of toppings for a have-it-your-way chili bar.

CHIPOTLE-BACON SALSA

Start to finish: 15 minutes

1 tablespoon olive oil

1/4 pound slab bacon, rind removed, cut into 1/4-inch cubes

10-ounce can diced tomatoes, drained

1/2 red onion, diced

1 tablespoon chipotle puree

1 teaspoon lime juice

Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium. Add the bacon, then reduce the heat to medium-low and cook for about 7 minutes, or until lightly browned. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat.

In a medium bowl, toss the tomatoes, onion and chipotle puree. Stir in the bacon, lime juice and black pepper. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Makes 1 cup. — Chile Pepper Magazine, November 2007

CHICKEN CHILI CASSEROLE

Start to finish: 1 1/2 hours (45 minutes active)

1/4 cup vegetable oil

1/2 cup finely chopped onion

1 clove garlic, minced

1 teaspoon chili powder