The end of football season is upon us, so what better way for football widows to celebrate then by hosting a hassle-free get-together for the season’s finale! Now, I know the thought of entertaining might send panic through your body, but fear not--if you have the right mindset and take my advice, having a Super Bowl Party can be a snap.
- Cater or totally stock up with a variety of pre-made platters and drinks from price-club places like CostCo’s, Sam’s Club or your good ole local deli (and who doesn’t love those 6 feet subs!)
- Finger foods and junk food are the cuisines of choice
- You can ask others to bring stuff!!
- Disposable serving ware is acceptable
- The focus is on the game and not on what’s being served or how (i.e. plastic platters are fine and you don’t have to set a fancy table—As a matter of fact, I like covering any eating or serving area with the cartoon section from my newspaper. Not only does it make a great conversation piece, you can just chuck it when the party’s over or if it’s a boring game you have some alternative entertainment!)
- You can drink amply and not worry
- You can invite lots of people since many of them may have other plans or want to stay in their own homes—And, it’s a great way to pay back all those folks including family who have had you over so many times without having to engage in much muss or fuss!
- You don’t have to worry about long, idle chit chatting since most everyone will be watching the game and not yakking.
- AND…
- Your party has a legitimate beginning and end! Besides, it’s a school nite so be sure to remind everyone of that!!
Of course, if you’re feeling momentarily ambitious and before that feeling passes, I wanted to include some simple and tasty recipes that you can also enjoy creating as a fun family activity.
So, let the game begin!
PIGSKIN PARTY PICKS
(Serves 8)
Ingredients
1 (8) oz. package refrigerated crescent rolls
1(16) oz. package mini hot-dogs
¾ cup grated cheddar cheese
Mustard to taste
How to make them:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Roll out dough on clean surface. Follow the lines on the dough to separate into triangles, and then, using the butter knife, make two smaller triangles out of each larger triangle.
- Sprinkle the cheese over the dough so it is lightly covered.
- Now, put the ‘pigs’ in their ‘skins” (the middle of each triangle), ends sticking out. Use your thumbs to press dough together so the pigs stay wrapped.
- Put ‘pigskins’ on sheet so that they don’t touch each other. They need room to get bigger!
- Bake on center rack of oven until dough puffs up and “skins” turn light brown (about 12 minutes).
- You can paint stripes on the skins with mustard to make them look like mini footballs (i.e. pigskins!) Serve with a pick (toothpick) in them, extra mustard and watch ‘em throw ‘em down!
SUPER SPICY WINGS
(Serves 6)
Ingredients
12 chicken wings, rinsed
1/3 cup soy sauce
1/3 cup ketchup
1 tbs. Brown sugar
1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
1 tsp. Chili powder (mild to hot)
1/ tsp. Garlic powder
1 tsp. Tabasco sauce
How you make them:
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Put all the ingredients, except the chicken wings in a large bowl. Use you spoon to blend well.
- Add the wings to the bowl, and mix them up until they’re well coated. (If you have the time, marinate them for 30 minutes before cooking)
- Use fork to put wings on sheet. Brush any remaining mix on, and place them in oven on center rack. Set timer for 30 minutes. When timer rings, turn oven to broil and place wings on top rack. Set timer for another 10 minutes. Wings should look crispy. Before chowing down, cut into chicken to check that it has lost its pink color, and the juices run clear.
- Now, get ready for some super spicy wings!
1st DOWN DARN GOOD NACHOS
(Serves 6-8)
Ingredients
8 oz. Deli meat, torn into small pieces (low sodium turkey, ham or chicken)
4 oz. Cheese, grated (Monterey Jack, olby or sharp cheddar)
1 can (16 oz.) fat-free refried black beans
½ cup of your favorite salsa
½ cup chopped onions
Tortilla chips
Garnishes: Sliced jalapeno peppers
Low fat sour cream
Extra salsa
How You Make It:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Mix beans, deli meat, salsa and onions in the bowl. Scoop it out and spread evenly into baking dish with your spoon.
- Sprinkle grated cheese on top and place in oven on the center rack.
- Set the timer for 15 minutes. Nachos are ready when the cheese is bubbly brown.
- Serve with tortilla chips and garnishes. Down with cold beverages of choice!
Now ‘touch down’, chow down and enjoy the game!
