We are now officially in the midst of yet another glorious season of UGA football, and as with any other significant time of the year, it is absolutely imperative to completely succumb to the excitement and spirit of said season.

After all, next to Christmas, football tends to be one the most celebrated events in our Southern culture – and honestly, how can you help but inhale the overwhelming sense of Bulldog pride exemplified in the flourish of red and black that invades Athens on any given game day Saturday?

I find that the highlights of an Athenian Autumn generally fall into three, equally vital categories: football, fellowship and food. These guiding principles are essentially inseparable throughout the season. Tailgating and other various game day gatherings are as much a part of the Georgia football experience as attending the actual game.

Whether it be a pre-game festivity before heading to the official showdown “between the hedges,” or a celebratory, post-victory party, a football Saturday is utterly incomplete without the addition of fellowship; subsequently, food is often central to fellowship. Even if you you’re not the host of this weekend’s revelries, everyone takes pleasure in contributing to the spread of game-time goodies; however, a hectic week of bio tests, lit papers and laundry hasn’t exactly left many free hours for preparing the miniature works of decadent art last month’s issue of Bon Appetit magazine claimed as appetizers.

Fear not fellow feasting football fans, you must simply remember two things: 1) stick to what you know and 2) there is absolutely nothing wrong with taking a shortcut. For instance, I happen to know that in general, people love pizza and people love dip. I also find it true that, when in a pinch, a microwave can serve as a particularly effective substitute for spending hours waiting around an oven. While this recipe doesn’t require an intense level of culinary mastery by any means, it is a flavorful deviation from traditional chips and salsa that your friends are sure to enjoy. You will certainly find it rewarding to provide your companions with a homemade dish that you will actually have the time to indulge in alongside them.

So, deck out in your finest red and black garb, spend a few minutes in the kitchen and put on your game face, because it is without a doubt, great to be a Georgia Bulldog.

Recipe:
Ingredients:
 1 cup pizza sauce or spaghetti sauce
 _ cup sour cream
 � cup cream cheese
 � cup shredded mozzarella cheese
 � cup grated parmesan cheese
 1 tsp Italian seasoning
 � cup green peppers, diced
 � red peppers, diced
 � cup cherry tomatoes, diced
 2 tbsp chopped green onion
 � cup pepperoni slices, chopped

In a large microwave safe bowl, combine the sour cream, cream cheese and Italian seasoning. Then stir in the sauce, vegetables, and pepperoni. Top with cheese. Cover and microwave for three minutes. Stir contents until evenly blended and heat for two additional minutes. Stir again and serve warm with pita chips or any other dipper you please!