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I'm a little embarrassed to admit this, but since it's the truth, I'm just going to spill the beans. I hope you'll still like me. I'm not the slightest bit interested in football; there I said it! I wouldn't tell this to just anyone, but since we've become friends through our get-togethers here at The Café, I thought you should know.
I told my husband a few days ago that I was going to post an appetizer or two this week since it was Super Bowl week. He looked at me in shock; not believing that I was even aware of the big game coming up this weekend. I tried to look quite indignant and told him that perhaps, just perhaps, I was finally growing up.
What he doesn't know is that, since I've started blogging, I've developed "connections". I find out about all kinds to things that would have swept right passed this little cranium before. I now have fun friends all over the country and the world that keep me up on "what's happening" like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest, the latest fashions and culinary trends and, the Super Bowl!
So now you know how much I like you. I'm not having a Super Bowl party, I'm not going to a Super Bowl celebration and I'm not watching the game; but I did make these fun, delicious Stuffed Mini Spuds with Butternut Squash and Bacon just for you, well, I guess since I'm being honest, I have to say they are for me too. I served them with our dinner tonight and we loved every bite; mini red potatoes hollowed out, the velvety insides combined with roasted butternut squash, garlicky hummus, salty parmesan, Greek yogurt and fresh basil. A scatter of crumbled applewood bacon finishes them off and a second stint in a hot oven yields a fabulous, healthy appetizer or side dish. Whether you're a die-hard football fan or a football slacker like me, I think you'll flip over these yummy mini-spuds.
- 16 medium small red potatoes about the size of a plum
- 1 small butternut squash halved lengthwise and seeds removed
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons Greek yogurt
- 2 ounces hummus
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh basil
- ½-1 teaspoon sea salt to taste
- 2 teaspoons melted butter
- 3 slices applewood bacon chopped small, cooked until crisp and drained*
- fresh basil sprigs for garnish, if desired
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Preheat oven to 400˚F. Line two sheet pans with heavy duty foil and spray with cooking spray.
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Scrub potatoes and dry with a kitchen towel. Place potatoes and oil in a large bowl and toss with your hands to coat. Add kosher salt and toss again to distribute well. Place potatoes on one of the prepared sheet pans.
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Rub butternut squash all over with a bit of oil and place face down on the other sheet pan. Place both pans in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes or until potatoes and squash are fork tender. (Cooking time will vary depending on the size of your potatoes). Remove from oven and allow to cool for about 15 minutes.
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When potatoes are cooled enough to touch, cut off top ⅓. Scoop out the tender insides leaving a thin shell. Transfer potato insides to the bowl of an electric mixer.
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Scoop out the inside of the butternut squash and add to potatoes along with butter, Greek yogurt, hummus, Parmesan cheese, basil and salt. Taste and add more salt if needed.
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Scoop mixture back into potato shells and sprinkle with bacon. At this point potatoes can be refrigerated for up to a day. About 30 minutes before serving drizzle lightly with butter and bake at 325˚F for 20 minutes or until light golden brown. Cool for 5-10 minutes and serve with a garnish of fresh basil if desired.
mia xara says
Hi Chris, although I'm not a football fan either,I'd gladly have the wonderful bites you've prepared.. They look great!XOXO
bellini says
I am not a big football fan either, but through blogging I am totally aware of all the sports, teams and celebrations.
Patty says
Chris- you are so funny, always a pleasure to read your blog! It would be impossible to not be a football fan in my family but you know me I try to focus on the food- like- what to bring to the tailgate or the press box goodies for my son for the home games and don't forget the away games we attend and choosing restaurants to try in the different cities-it's a foodie football lifestyle chez moi...of course I'm looking at your yummy mini spuds and wondering-gee I would like to try these for a tailgate- see what I mean-it never ends!!!
I'll think of you as I'm headed to Atlanta and then on to New Orleans later this week;-)
twodogsinthekitchen says
Not a football fan either. Though we do go to Superbowl parties sometimes, I only pay attention to the food and company 🙂 These mini spuds would most definitely have my attention! Like a lot of attention. They sound great Chris!
Claire @ Claire K Creations says
Well if you admit it I will. I'm not a fan either! Will is so very into his football but try as I might I just can't be. There's just nothing about men running around a field attacking each other in the battle for a ball that appeals to me!
I would much rather sit around a table chatting with you and eating stuffed spuds on superbowl night!
Beth says
Those treats look fantastic. I don't watch a lot of football, but I must admit I enjoy it when I do. I'll definitely be watching the Superbowl (and no need to apologize if you won't be!).
Pam says
They look cute & delicious.
Eri says
Lovely idea Chris and they look so cute!!
Hotly Spiced says
We don't have the Super Bowl here and I don't know that much about it but I'm learning that you can't watch the game unless you've prepared a lot of great food. These look like awesome snacks to enjoy in front of the TV xx
Lisa {Authentic Suburban Gourmet } says
You sound like me regarding the superbowl! I absolutely LOVE these little bites of goodness. Any appetizer is a winner in my book. I know that Patty is going to have a great time! Have a super week!!!
Angie's Recipes says
I don't know anything about American football, but I truly enjoy all the snacks/finger food the blog world has been creating. These babies are gorgeous!
Sandra Lee says
You are amongst friends so your secret is safe. You're also not alone, I don't even know who is playing. I do however, know a tasty appetizer when I see one.
Happier Than a Pig in Mud says
They are beautiful! I've been seeing a lot of butternut squash lately, I need to pick some up soon! Enjoy:@)
Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers says
I'm with you, normally I'm not into football games, but since my Home Team is in it, I'll have the tv on, but you know this Sunday, I will be cookign upa storm as the game is playing! 🙂 These spuds look amazing! I love that you used butternut squash!!!
Tricia @ saving room for dessert says
I love these little potatoes - what a terrific idea. You're making me want to have a Superbowl party! We've scheduled a 1st birthday party for my grandson the next weekend and I can only handle one party per quarter - I just don't have it in me anymore 🙂 We will however, turn on the game and perhaps even open a cold beer. Thanks for mentioning the 49er's - I wasn't sure who was playing - ha ha. And ... thanks for the link-love!
Maria says
Also not a football fan!
Esther@thefussfreechef says
Chris, you make the most delightly little appetizers! I can't wait to try these potato guys, i just know they will taste so good. Over here in Malaysia, our favourite sport is badminton, so a lot of people love going out to the 24hour local coffee hangouts and watch the matches on huge tv screens put up by the shops!
Jen Laceda | Tartine and Apron Strings says
I only know Super Bowl and football stuff from my husband. But if I didn't have him, I don't think I'll be as interested in it in my life. That said, I'm cheering for SF, just because we know someone - Patty - who is connected to the team! Go 49ers! Whomever you serve these spud bites to...they are extremely lucky! I know my husband will be so jealous...he wants to dig right in!
www.you-made-that.com says
I'm not having a party or going to one either but I sure wish I could come over and share some of these little appetizers! They look so pretty 🙂
Martha says
Oh these look fabulous... AND fun! Football is one of those things that all of the guys here love to play and watch... not sure yet if any of the boys will have friends over for the game or not. haha, would be about time to find out, dontcha think? 🙂
The Café Sucré Farine says
I haven't seen that show Ginny but I'll be on the lookout for it, thanks friend!
Ginny says
I agree! Blogging really does expand our horizons, doesn't it? These look awesome! Have you watched the new T.V. series called The Taste? I believe you would like it. The contestants are all judged by just one big spoon with one bite on it. The judges are not told what the food is, they can only judge by one spoonful.
Kim G. says
I'm not going to watch the game either... Really not my thing... Anyway, around here in Quebec, hockey is THE sport (and my guy just loves it too much). Anyway, never happen to organize any game night... That doesn't mean I'm not interested in you little appetizers! These are so cute and looks so nice!
Laura (Tutti Dolci) says
I think many people care more about the food than the football :). Love these little two-bite potatoes!
Marina@Picnic at Marina says
Chris, since you've mentioned it, I am not a football fan either, so you are not alone! However, those little treats can be any party favorites. Beautiful and very creative. I love basil, so this two bites already have my heart! 🙂