A Super Bowl-watching party makes everyone ravenous. It’s as if the combination of ads and action makes partygoers focus on the food as much as the TV. So when I host a big game gathering next Sunday, I plan to kick it up a notch by including some of my favorites along with the usual wings, nachos and brownies. My buffet will include a delicious self-serve pasta and sausage soup and two appetizers that everyone adores, including Ina Garten’s incredible Pan-Fried Onion Dip. A Bundt cake dotted with fresh blueberries adds the perfect sweet ending.

Stuffed Dates Wrapped in Bacon

Makes about 18

INGREDIENTS

1 pound pitted dates

4 ounces blue cheese or chilled goat cheese

1 pound smoked bacon, cut in half crosswise

DIRECTIONS

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.

Fill each date with cheese, wrap it with a half strip of bacon and secure with a toothpick.

Place in a single layer on the prepared pan and roast for 25 to 30 minutes, turning them halfway through.Super Bowl