mizchef

posted by admin on Feb 5

Hi, gang. I hear sales of big-screen TVs have gone up recently. Why? Because it’s SUPERBOWL TIME! This Sunday, February 7 is Superbowl Sunday and people all over the country are gearing up with new sets, stocking up their refrigerators and coolers with beer, and planning their munchies spread.

This year, it’s the Indianapolis Colts vs. the New Orleans Saints. And since this is the first time in the team’s history that the Saints are going to the Superbowl, I’m sure many New Orleanians and Louisianans are going to party hardy this weekend.

Now, I won’t claim to know much about football, but if you’re having a Superbowl or tailgate party, you’ve come to the right place. Let’s see what’s on the menu…

First, let’s take note on what food holidays coincide with the Superbowl. Tomorrow, February 6 is National Nutella Day. Nutella is an Italian chocolate-hazelnut spread. Hmmm, so many possibilities there. In France, a common snack food is crêpes stuffed with various ingredients, including Nutella. In fact, if you walk down the street of any city in France, you’ll likely encounter a street vendor selling an array of luscious crêpes made fresh right there in his or her cart. (I came across one of these carts in Aix-en-Provence and ordered a crêpe made with Gran Marnier, which is practically a national dish, but it really was hard passing up the Nutella version.) So, in honor of Nutella Day, buy some pre-made crêpes, spread a couple of tablespoons of Nutella over them, and roll them up. Or, do as the Italians do: spread Nutella on slices of bread and enjoy.

Sunday itself is National Fettuccini Alfredo Day. Okay, if you’re having a tailgate party, that may not be the best choice to pack in your cooler.  If you’re having a party at home, however, here’s a simple recipe for it at Epicurious.com. P.S.–It’s not a low-fat recipe. Nowhere even close. But, then, Superbowl Sunday never was about diets, was it?

So, what else can you serve at your party or pack for your tailgate fiesta? An excellent (and healthy) choice is Italian green bean, potato and tomato salad. So easy to put together, it’s just a few fresh ingredients tossed with a low-fat balsamic dressing. Click HERE for my recipe. Or, how about a fresh, delicious spinach and potato pie? It’s a little higher up in the fat and calorie content, but because it’s homemade, you’ll have something truly fresh and preservative-free. That recipe is HERE.

For some other ideas, the Food Network has it all laid out for you. They offer different menus for different game plans. So, they have quick-and-easy, make-ahead, budget-friendly, and several other menus HERE.  Maybe you’re looking for a different Buffalo wings recipe or a different take on chili. It’s there, too. Guy Fieri has a particularly interesting menu (he always does) HERE. His menu intrigues me so much, in fact, that I’m tempted to have an impromptu Superbowl party just to try out his recipes. I mean, he’s got a Jambalaya Sandwich, Tailgate Sangria, and Waka Waka Salad Appetizer, which consists of  ramen noodles, three kinds of cabbage, wonton skins, and Spanish peanuts. Hmm.

(Speaking of the Food Network, I’m glad to report that those of us who subscribe to Cablevision cable service have gotten back the Food Network. I have no idea what deal Cablevision and Scripps Network hammered out, but I hope it doesn’t result in customers getting charged more. Now, Cablevision has sent me a letter saying I need a digital cable box—a separate issue from last year’s federal cable service mandate. It seems that it’s costing me more and more to watch TV, something that used to be FREE. Ugh.)

Over at Nola.com, read “New Orleans Saints players’ personal chefs offer up Super Bowl recipes” for some “home style” dishes.

How about these sure-to-please options:

Tomato-Avocado Salsa with Tortilla Chips

Garam Masala Deviled Eggs

Jalapeno Popper Spread

Pan-Fried Veggie Wontons with Sesame Dip

Cat Cora’s Keftdedes (Greek Meatballs)

Two Sisters’ Chicken Salad

North Carolina Style Pulled Pork

Alton Brown’s Coleslaw

To go with your fabulous menus, have different beverages available—a few different beers and wine (maybe a non-alcoholic choice for your teetotaling friends), some soda, and maybe some iced tea and lemonade. With all these tasty options, you’ll have the hottest Superbowl party in town.

What’s for dessert? Leave that to your guests.

Have a great week, everyone. Enjoy Superbowl Sunday!! And if you’re driving anywhere, be safe—if you’re drinking, have a designated driver.

Peace