The game fans can watch football and eat. The kids can be in another room with activities and games. If you have two televisions and a VCR you can rent videos for those not enduring the game suspense. Think of it as setting up "stations" for your guests where they can be entertained while eating and visiting. Be creative and this may become a new tradition in your household!

Brenda's Big Pot of Chili

Brown ground chuck, onion, green pepper, jalapeno and garlic. Drain grease if necessary. Add remaining ingredients, bring to boil then simmer for a half hour. At this point add to a crockpot and it can cook on low as long as you need it to. Stir occasionally and add a little water if it needs it. Set up the crockpot with a ladle, bowls, and toppings such as green onions, sour cream, shredded cheese and extra jalapenos. Also have bottles of Tabasco and hot sauce for those who like it extra hot.

Mexican Black Bean Salad

In mixing bowl combine beans, corn, tomatoes, onions and cilantro. Add red pepper, oil, lime juice and cumin. Blend with the cayenne, salt and pepper, to taste. Refrigerate at least 2 hours before serving, or overnight. Makes about 6 cups.

Homemade Salsa for a Crowd

Drain tomatoes. Take out 2 cups of the diced tomatoes and set aside. Put the remaining tomatoes in a blender or food processor and lightly process. (About 30 seconds). Add all tomatoes to a mixing bowl with remaining ingredients. Mix well. Cover and refrigerate several hours to blend flavors. Serve with Tortillas chips.

NOTE: Have several bags of Tortilla Chips, some flavored and some plain to serve with all the above. You can also have some small flour tortillas on hand to warm and use as bread to accompany the salad or the chili.

Oatmeal Chip Cookies

Heat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl with mixer on high speed, beat margarine, sugars, eggs, vanilla, baking soda and salt until well blended. Add flour just to blend. Stir in oats and chips. Drop by rounded teaspoonfuls about 1 inch apart on ungreased cookie sheets. Bake 10-12 minutes or until golden brown. Cool 1 minute on cookie sheet before removing to a wire rack. Store airtight at room temperature up to one week.

NOTES: Place cookies in a basket to be munched on. You can double the recipe depending on amount of people you have coming. Use any left over lemons, limes, or green peppers as garnishes. A nice addition to the entire buffet would be a raw vegetable platter with a simple vegetable dip. You could also serve ice tea,coffee and assorted sodas.