Mmmm, try this easy Superbowl snack!

(ARA) – After the holidays, America turns its attention toward the Super Bowl, and of course, Super Bowl snacking. This year, resolve to spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the game by preparing super-easy Super Bowl snacks with your microwave.

It’s not surprising that football and microwave cooking go hand-in-hand; both the Super Bowl and the world’s first countertop microwave oven by Amana made their debut in the same year -- 1967. However, with today’s advanced microwave technologies, you can do much more than reheat foods while cheering for your favorite team. With added conveniences such as convection, larger oven capacities and up to 1500 watts of power, microwave ovens are built to ensure fast, even cooking for a wider variety of foods.

These days, microwave ovens let you to create tempting snacks in a flash -- including classic recipes that families have enjoyed for years. Many new and updated recipes are so easy that football fans of any age (or culinary skill level) can help prepare them. Off-the-shelf, ready made ingredients also allow you to quickly whip up snacks that would ordinarily take hours to prepare.

To celebrate 40 years of microwave cooking, Amana combed its archives for the all-time favorite microwave recipes collected over the years, and created a new online downloadable cookbook. “Fast Food Redefined: 40 Years Ago Amana Invented a New Way to Cook” lets you save more time than ever while exploring new and clever cooking possibilities. Many nostalgic recipes can be easily recreated using at most, seven or eight ingredients.

The cookbook offers a new twist on classic snack favorites such as Crunchy Nibble Mix made with corn cereal squares, popped popcorn, pretzels, mixed nuts and dried cranberries. Or try another snacking favorite, Spinach Dip in a Bread Boat served warm with bread cubes. Create crowd-pleasing Fiesta Nacho Dip made with cream cheese, refried beans and salsa. Round out the snack menu with Snappy Glazed Meatballs that cook in 15 short minutes, and you’ll be the hero at halftime.

Microwave Recipe: Easy Fiesta Nacho Dip

This microwave version of an all-time snacking favorite is perfect for a Super Bowl get-together. Fast and easy to prepare using ready-made ingredients, it’s sure to please the crowd -- as well as the cook.

Ingredients:
1 package (8 oz. cream cheese)
1 can (16 oz.) refried beans
1/2 cup chunky style salsa
1/4 cup chopped canned green chilies
1 tablespoon taco seasoning
1 cup (4 oz.) shredded Mexican cheese blend
Additional toppings such as chopped tomatoes, sliced black olives or sliced green onions (optional)
Tortilla chips

Directions:
1. Place cream cheese on microwave-safe dish. Microwave on high 30 to 40 seconds or until softened. Spread cream cheese evenly in 1-quart microwave-safe casserole. In medium bowl combine refried beans, salsa, chilies and taco seasoning. Spread bean mixture over cream cheese; sprinkle with cheese.

2. Microwave on high 2-1/2 to 3 minutes or until cheese is melted. Sprinkle with toppings over dip, if desired. Serve with tortilla chips.

Makes 8 servings

Microwave tip: You can soften cream cheese using the Soften/Melt feature when using the microwave. Place cream cheese on microwave-safe dish.

To obtain other easy recipes, as well as a variety of recipes for soups and sandwiches, sides, savory main dishes, sweet treats and desserts, plus cooking tips, visit www.amana.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent