TOUCH DOWN! With the Super Bowl almost here, I'm sharing some delicious and easy recipes that my mom and I love! Over the past few weekends we have been testing out different recipes during the playoff games to find the perfect Super Bowl spread. Around my house the Super Bowl is a big deal, especially if the Patriots are playing. With great food and amazing company, we always try to pick recipes that are simple to prepare and don't take us away from enjoying the game. Most if not all of these use simple ingredients you probably already have at home!
Appetizers
Homemade pretzels - Who doesn't love homemade pretzels?! I used Food Network's soft pretzels recipe, which is delicious! As a pro tip, when placing your pretzels in boiling water, use two spatulas to remove the shaped pretzels so they keep their form. When serving, we paired them with different mustards.
Football cheese board - When planning out what I wanted to include in my Super Bowl menu, I knew I really wanted to make a football cheese ball! I googled several recipes but after getting snowed in during the Patriots playoff game, I used ingredients I already had in the fridge. For this cheese ball I mixed 4oz of cream cheese, 4oz of Pub Cheese Gourmet Spreadable Cheese, and chopped scallions. After mixing together for a think consistency, place on a plastic wrap sheet and form into the shape of a football. Next, crumble up bacon and place on the outside of the cheese ball. To make the laces, cut thin slices of cheese. What I love most about cheese balls is you can really customize them and select your favorite flavors. Plate the cheese ball on a long board and display assorted crackers.
Chips and guacamole - One of my favorite snacks is chips and guacamole! Ina Garten's guacamole recipe is so refreshing and features chunks of avocados. It's so refreshing and delicious!
Crudités platter - For a refreshing snack organize a crudités platter with assorted vegetables! Some great options include tomatoes, blanched broccoli, carrots, peppers and cucumbers. We also made a sour cream dip by mixing in vegetable soup mix and a dash of horseradish for an extra bite. It's perfect for guests that are looking for healthy options or want a smaller bite.
Buffalo Wings - I love making homemade buffalo wings! Pick up a package of wings from your local grocery store along with butter and Frank's Red Hot Wings Buffalo sauce. This all depends on the amount of wings you are making, but place two cups of flour in one bowl and mix Frank's Red Hot Wings Buffalo sauce with 2Tbl of butter. Coat the wings in flour, then the sauce and place on a baking sheet. Repeat. Once all the wings are covered, bake the wings at 425 degrees for about 40-45 minutes. As a finishing touch, broil the wings for 2 minutes for a crunchy finish.
Main Course
Pork, Beef and Black Bean Chili - Chili is such a great option if you're hosting a lot of guests! Follow Epicurious' Pork, Beef, and Black Bean Chili recipe. I only used pork in my version, but followed the recipe to a T.
