Adapted from the archives at The Stars Hollow Gazette
It’s the big game, the grand finale to the all the American version of football, Super Bowl XLVIII which will determine the NFL champion. This year it’s the American Football Conference (AFC) champion Denver Broncos and the National Football Conference (NFC) champion Seattle Seahawks who will meet in a week at MetLife Stadium at the Meadowlands Sports Complex in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
But, you know all that. The big thing is what to feed those exuberant fans gathered around the TV. I have some new recipes and some old favorites.
For the new:
To quote epicurious, where these recipes are from, “Who says pigs can’t fly? Take a few boneless pork chops, add some bacon and a little creativity, and Pig Wings are on the menu!”
If cooking indoors, start in a “slow” oven 235°F for 90 minutes, or until the bacon is cooked. Finish under the broiler to crisp the bacon.
Salt-and-Pepper Shrimp with Blue Cheese and Celery
This shrimp recipe is a close seafood version of Buffalo Chicken Wings. I reduced the salt to two teaspoons with excellent results and the blue cheese dip can be made two days ahead which enhances the flavor.
Garlic Roasted Potato Skins served with Onion and Spinach Dip.
Save the scooped out flesh for other uses. Potato skins can be scooped out and spread with garlic paste, but not baked, 1 day ahead and chilled, loosely covered with foil. Bring them to room temperature before baking.
Pretzel Bites with Quick Cheddar Dip
For a quick recipe, you can buy frozen pretzels in the snack section of the supermarket. Just cut them into bite size nuggets before cooking.
You can substitute your favorite ready made meatballs and sauce but, trust me, if you have time, this recipe is well worth making from “scratch.”
For the health conscious, baking yields really crispy wings without the mess and time watching. For the less healthy conscious these are our past favorites:
Buffalo Chicken Wings and Blue Cheese Dip and Spicy Laquered Chicken Wings
Peanut Butter and Chocolate Cheesecake Brownies
Heavens forbid we should forget desert. Nummm
If you aren’t watching the game, eat your heart out.