Dear Friends,

Whether you’re a football fan or not, the Super Bowl is always a great occasion to gather for good food and fun! For your ravenous fans, I give you the Vulture Dip – sure to disappear before Tom Brady scores his first touchdown. To go with this delicious dip, I give you a bit of football wit and wisdom from The Rev. Marty Hedgpeth retired Associate Rector from Christ Episcopal Church in Charlotte. May her words inspire you to live life to its fullest and with hopes that you… open your home, open your heart, and give the gift of hospitality while doing so!

With gratitude,


From Marty…

“Recently I came across a story that I love. Years ago, a young sports reporter was at the Oakland Raiders training field watching the team practice. The quarterback at the time was Ken Stabler, who was renowned for his skill in throwing tremendously long passes late in games when the Raiders were behind. The reporter got bored with practice so he went over to see the famous Jack London monument that was right nearby. He copied down some words on a plaque that London had written:

I would rather be ashes than dust! I would rather that my spark should burn out in a brilliant blaze than it should be stifled by dry rot. I would rather be a superb meteor, every atom of me magnificent glow, than a sleepy and permanent planet. The proper function of a human being is to live, not to exist. I shall not waste my days in trying to prolong them. I shall use my time.

Returning to the practice field, the reporter recited the words to Ken Stabler and asked, “What does that mean to you?” Stabler replied, “Throw deep.”

Jesus said, “I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” Irenaeus, one of the Early Church Fathers, wrote, “The glory of God is the human person fully alive.” Every moment is full of the possibility for abundant life, the opportunity for us to be fully alive. If you can’t remember Jesusʼ or Irenaeusʼ or Jack Londonʼs words, remember the words of that other great theologian, Ken Stabler: Throw deep.”


Vulture Dip

Serves 10         Adapted from Inspired Cooking, First Presbyterian Church

Given our football theme, it seems only appropriate to serve up a football dip sure to please any crowd – football lovers and others!

INGREDIENTS

1 cup grated Monterey Jack cheese
1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
10 oz frozen spinach, thawed and drained
1 cup diced and drained canned tomatoes
1 cup picante sauce
½ cup chopped green onions
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 tsp ground cumin

DIRECTIONS

Mix Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses.

Mix spinach, tomatoes, picante sauce, green onions, cream cheese, and cumin. Fold in 1 ½ cup of cheese blend.

Transfer to shallow oven-proof serving dish. Top with remaining cheese. Bake at 350° for 30 min.

Serve with tortilla chips.

DEEDEE’S NOTES

  • Recipe may be prepped a day in advance. Cover and chill. Bake prior to serving.

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