Game Day Staples—Friends and Food
This year, I get to celebrate the Super Bowl and my birthday in the same weekend! I'm excited that my second favorite football team, the KC Chiefs made some daring plays to become AFC Champions and compete against the Buccaneers. Oooohh...I feel some words brewin' between my college friends who are Brady and Mahomes' fans.
I just love a good game no matter who is playing. I also love everything that goes along with a good game—friends and good food! Now that my hubby and I are settling into our Missouri home, I hope to have some game day celebrations of our own. Hosting a game day party could be rather stressful like any big event, but, I'm going to break it down so that it becomes easy, tasty and fun!
First, as a host, it's a good idea to make Game Day a pot luck. Everyone always wants to help out and brag about their favorite dish, so why not let everyone participate? And inviting everyone to bring something also takes a lot of the prep, cost and unrealistic expectations off your plate.
Since this year will be different than any other year and the celebrations will be small, I'll still make my favorite things on a smaller scale. Because I love sharing, I'm going to be posting a few of my favorite game day recipes for you to try. It will be like I'm bringing something to your party. We have less than a week to get it all together, so let's break out the invites, plates and put that grocery list together.
I'm starting with one of my favorites—Crab Cake Bites. These are super easy to make, easy to eat and you can make them the day before and throw them in the oven the day of the event and enjoy! I always add a little bit of garnish, but you don't have to. It depends on what kind of statement you want to make.
The next nibble, Warm Artichoke and Bacon dip with Pita chips, is inspired by one of my favorite chefs, Giada. I made a little change by adding some portobello mushrooms for a little more of an earthy taste. This is a great recipe to make a few days ahead and just warm it up on Game Day...if there's still any left. I generally use a small crock pot and set it on warm throughout the party. Don't be surprised if the dip is gone before the evening is over.
Next, what's a party without salsa? I think it's a pretty good staple for any Game Day celebration. What's even better is that you can make this pineapple nectarine salsa a day ahead, too, which is a great way to save time on game day and have time to look fabulous before your guests arrive. It's bright, fresh, and scrumptious by itself, with chips, or over fish tacos. Any way you decide to serve it, it'll be a popular dish at your party, too.
And if you’re not into all the party hosting hype? Well, here's an easy solution—try a Popcorn Buffet, baby! It’s super easy to make, easy to nibble and everyone likes popcorn. If you don't you're un-American!
Now, we'll need something to wash down all these great Game Day snacks.
For the kids, they'll love any soda, water or juice. But, perhaps consider adding a little Shirley Temple for the wee ones. Those are incredible crowd pleasers with Ginger Ale or 7-up, a few tablespoons of cherry syrup and a few maraschino cherries. You'll get smiles for miles.
And for the adults, margaritas and beer are good staples for any party. But, this time, I thought I'd add a little Bloody Mary libation. There are so many ways to be creative with Bloody Mary garnishes. Get your creative juices flowing and do anything your heart desires!
Last, but definitely not least, we have to have dessert, right? Let me introduce the new dark cola float! Just add your favorite funky flavored ice cream and for the adults, a shot of bourbon! It’s the perfect way to celebrate a win (or drown your sorrows if your team loses).
I don't know about you, but, I am so ready for our Super Bowl party so we can nibble, drink and shout for our favorite team! So, game on and cheers to another Game Day with great food and great friends! May the best recipe and team win.