Super Bowl 2012 is set … the Giants and Patriots on February 5th. When it comes to the party, it doesn’t matter whether you’re a dedicated fan, or just socialize and watch the fun commercials. Check out our ideas for party planning on a budget!

Set the mood with a little decorating …

• Use a Super Bowl XLVI theme or use team colors.
• Decorate the table with a green vinyl or felt cover with white tape or ribbon yard markers.
• Accessorize with other inexpensive items you could gather, make, or buy: team banners, mylar football balloons, pom poms, megaphones, and yellow penalty flags.
  

  Fruit Pizza — Super Bowl style

What’s it all about … the FOOD! Make the food for the party simple so you don’t have to spend the whole day in the kitchen. I’ve put together some menu ideas that are easy, inexpensive and healthy. Plus, they can all be made ahead.

• Put After School Humus, Cowboy Caviar, Homemade Pita Chips, and Baked Tortilla Crisps close to the TV where everyone can reach them.
• At half-time serve Mexican Chicken Soup from the slow cooker, a relish tray and Mmmm Good Fruit Pizza shaped like a football.

A little healthy competition never hurt anyone! You probably won’t need many games, but it would be fun to have everyone guess the final score when they arrive and then give a prize for the winner. Or, how about some kind of rating for the commercials.

What are you planning for your Bowl party? Share your decorating, game, and food ideas for entertaining on a budget.

MMMM Good Fruit Pizza

Ingredients:

For the cookie crust:

• 1 large egg white
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup brown sugar, firmly packed
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 cup uncooked quick-cooking oatmeal
• Cooking spray

For the topping:

• 3 ounces fat-free cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 (6-ounce) container nonfat vanilla yogurt
• Fruit for topping the pizza

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375° F.
2. Use a medium mixing bowl to beat egg white until foamy. Add oil and sugar. Beat until smooth.
3. Use a small bowl to stir together the flour, cinnamon, and baking soda. Add to sugar mixture. Stir in oatmeal.
4. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray with cooking spray. Spread the dough in a 9-inch circle.
5. Bake about 12 minutes. Crust will begin to puff but does not look done. Remove from oven and let cool about 20 minutes. The crust continues to cook while cooling.
6. Use a small bowl to stir together the cream cheese and yogurt until smooth. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until cool.
7. Transfer the crust to a serving plate. Spread the cream cheese mixture over the crust. Arrange fruit on top.
8. Cut into wedges and serve, or refrigerate up to 2 hours, covered and uncut.