One of America’s most watched sporting events takes place this Sunday. Are you ready? Did you know that 9 out of 10 Super Bowl viewers watches the game at home or at a friend’s house. Here are a few easy snack options to get your fans touchdown ready for the big game (or for their commercial watching, depending on your audience).
Chicken Wings
An estimated 1.23 billion chicken wings will be consumed by American’s during this year’s Super Bowl. Don’t be left out. Follow this easy recipe from chow.com for some tasty wings. Be sure to remember the blue cheese dressing and celery sticks too!
What You’ll Need
1 1/2 cups (12 ounces) mild to medium hot sauce, 1/2 cup buttermilk, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 3 pounds chicken wings, separated into 2 pieces and wing tips discarded, 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (1/2 stick), melted
Directions
Place 1 cup of the hot sauce, the buttermilk, and the garlic powder in a large resealable plastic bag and stir to combine. Add the wings; seal the bag, pressing out any excess air; and turn the bag to coat the wings evenly. Let marinate in the refrigerator, turning occasionally, for at least 2 hours or up to 12 hours. Heat the broiler to high and arrange a rack in the middle of the oven. Cover a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place a wire rack on it. Remove the wings from the marinade, letting any excess drip off, and arrange in a single layer on the rack. (If possible, don’t allow the wings to touch.) Discard the marinade and broil the wings until the meat starts to pull away from the bones and the skin is deep golden brown, bubbling, and crisped, about 12 minutes. Remove from the oven and turn the wings over using tongs. Return wings to the oven and continue broiling until the skin is deep golden brown, bubbling, and crisped on the second side, about 12 minutes more. Meanwhile, combine remaining 1/2 cup hot sauce and melted butter in a large bowl and set aside. Add cooked wings and toss to coat. Serve immediately with blue cheese dressing and celery sticks, if using.
Seven Layer Dip
About one-third of Super Bowl watchers plan to partake in some form of dip while they watch the game. Make your party stand out by offering your guests 7 dips in one yummy swoop. Don’t forget the chips!
What You’ll Need
1 (1 ounce) package taco seasoning mix
1 (16 ounce) can refried beans
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 (16 ounce) container sour cream
1 (16 ounce) jar salsa
1 bunch chopped green onions
1 small head iceberg lettuce, shredded
1 (6 ounce) can sliced black olives, drained
2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
Directions
In a medium bowl, blend the taco seasoning mix and refried beans. Spread the mixture onto a large serving platter. Mix the sour cream and cream cheese in a medium bowl. Spread over the refried beans.
Top the layers with salsa. Place a layer of tomato, green bell pepper, green onions and lettuce over the salsa, and top with cheddar cheese. Garnish with black olives.
Pizza
While Dominos expects to deliver 11 million pizzas this Sunday to hungry fans, if you don’t want to have to wait to get yours, stock up on these ingredients for a perfect bake-at-home pizza.
What You’ll Need
1 pre-made pizza crust (like Boboli), 1 container of pre-made pizza sauce, 1 bag of shredded mozzarella, 1 package of pepperoni, 1 small can of sliced olives, any additional pizza toppings you like.
Directions
Preheat oven to 450°. Bake time: 8 – 10 minutes. Spread marinara sauce onto crust. Add your pepperoni and veggies of choice. Top with your cheese and bake about 10 minutes until cheese is melted.
Drinks
Don’t let your spectators watch their teams while thirsty. To really get into the spirit, offer craft beers from each teams’ hometown, you’ll have lots to choose from. You can start with these options as your inspiration.
Seahawk Fans
Redhook Ale Brewery, Elysian Brewing, Pike Brewing
Broncos Fans
Great Divide Brewing, New Belgium Brewing, Oskar Blues Brewery
Photo Credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/adactio/