Super Bowl Party? Try Some Variety...

This year's Super Bowl is bound to be a good game, showcasing both the offensive prowess of the 49ers, and the brute strength of the Raven's defense. In between breaks, when you're not watching the e-Trade baby or some stupid Doritos commercial, I'm sure you'll be cramming some sort of food or dip into your mouthhole. The question of what to bring/make for a party you're attending?

The options are seemingly endless, because the game is "technically" during the dinner hours, but many people start earlier, entertaining guests and eating or drinking a bit before the game. I'm here to give you my personal  Top 5 Food Ideas for your Super Bowl Party, that take minimal effort, and are guaranteed to be eaten by those in attendance.

5.) Guacamole - It's been said that nearly 4 tons of guacamole will be consumed during the Super Bowl. Join the masses, but get creative with your mix. With my mix, I like to throw in garlic, lemon, lime, 2 tbsp. of diced tomatoes, and sometimes a little lemon zest for a zing. (TIP: When pitting your avocados, make sure to save at least one to throw into your guac. The pit keeps the mixture from browning too quickly!)

4.) Chili - This is absolutely one of the best things to have on hand for the game, because its versatile. You can put it on nachos, hot dogs, or just eat it traditionally. My wife makes chili every year for our party, and uses canned black beans, chili beans, corn, chili powder, cayenne pepper, onions, garlic, and about 2 cups of water. Meat is a matter of preference, so be mindful of what options your guests may like. My recent favorite is a pound of lean ground turkey, or using ground boar (yes, boar) to give your chili something a little....different.

3.) Dips (Get Creative!) - Outside of a cheese dip or guac dip, this is where you can afford to be creative. There are many types of pre-made dips that you can make by "just adding sour cream", which are fine, but why be boring? This year, we are doing Shredded Buffalo Chicken Dip, for which you'll need: 2 cans of shredded chicken, a bottle of Frank's Red Hot Sauce, a block of cream cheese, your preference of shredded cheese, and an oven at which to bake. Mix all ingredients together into baking dish, bake at 350 for 20 minutes, serve warm with chips or crackers.  It's the best of both worlds, taking a dip and buffalo wings and turning it into something that I can shovel into my mouth on a cracker.

2.) Pizza - Of course, pizza makes the list, because who doesn't like pizza?  It's simple, it's easy to make, and it's likely all will be consumed by your party.  Do what we're doing this year, and rather than ordering out and waiting 2 years for delivery, make your own.  We're using Flat Out brand flatbread, and making a flat bread pizza bar.  This way, the portion sizes are small enough that you can still enjoy the bevy of food options made available, and your guests can get what they want on their pizza.

Heavy Seas - Winter Storm

Anchor - Steam Beer

1.) Beer -Having drinks is the single most component of an all-adult Super Bowl Party.  Indianapolis does showcase several master craft brews, but again, in the sake of being different, hunt down beer representative of the teams cities.  San Fransisco and Baltimore are great cities for beer and craft brews, and beers from Anchor Breweries (San Fran.) and Heavy Seas Brewing Company (Baltimore) are just a few of the beers you can find at liquor stores such as Kahn's.  The most important thing, above being different in your selection, is just to make sure you're stocked (stupid Blue Laws).

Enjoy the game, sports fans, and Eat On,

Justin


P.S.- 49ers by 6.