This year the Super Bowl is set to play in New Orleans, pitting the Baltimore Ravens against the San Francisco 49ers.

Some of us have a horse in that race. The rest of us are there for the fun, food, and big budget commercials. And the food. Oh, did I already mention that?

One of my favourite appetizers is a perfect fit for this year's event, combining a rich creamy base with shrimp and colourful veggies that pairs perfectly with tortilla chips and an ice-cold Corona. Better plan now to do a few sit-ups and lunges during those commercial breaks though, because this dip is a little high on the calorie side.

Ingredients
 
Base
8-ounce package (approx 1 cup or 240g) cream cheese
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream
 
Layers
8 ounces (or 2 tins) canned small shrimp
1 cup seafood sauce
2 cups mozzarella cheese, grated
1 green pepper, chopped
4 stalks green onions, chopped
1 tomato, chopped
 
Tortilla chips or crackers for dipping

Blend the cream cheese, mayo and sour cream well until you have a smooth consistency. Spread it in a uniform layer into the bottom of a flat 12-inch serving dish (a pie or quiche plate also works well).

Layer the shrimp, sauce, cheese, and veggies in order over the base. Cover the tray with plastic wrap and chill until ready to serve. Serve with chips or crackers, scooping or spooning the topping onto the chip.


Variations: 

*use lower fat cream cheese (either fat free or neufchatel cheese), lower fat mayonnaise (I like the version blended with olive oil but do not prefer Miracle Whip in this particular recipe), and/or lower fat sour cream

*double each of the layer quantities but keep the base quantities the same to boost the veggie component without changing the flavour profile

Serves: 6 (unless you really really like it, in which case it serves just 1)
Per serving: 350 Calories (approx)

Fitness Minute: a quick butt-blasting workout for those commercial breaks, the infamous Wall Sit, and How To Look Better Naked. You're welcome.

*recipe credit: This recipe has been floating around in my family and friend circle since forever, so I'm not sure where the original source is from; however it is commonly called "Surprise Spread".
 
*images via MennoniteGirlsCanCook