Make Your Super Bowl Party Score
Whether you’re hosting a huge gathering or a small get-together, Super Bowl parties require planning. Here’s how to prepare for a party so you can relax and enjoy the game.
1. Color-coordinate your decor.
If you’re cheering for the New England Patriots, then decorate in all-American colors. Pick up red, white, and blue cups and star-covered napkins. If you’re a Seattle Seahawk fan, then stick with navy and green decor. And if you’re just waiting for the halftime show, then decorate with football-shaped plates and bowls.
2. Get your game-day grub.
As with all sports events, snacks are the most important part of a Super Bowl party. Use these recipes to fuel your fans on game day.
A filling favorite from foodandwine.com
Ingredients
3 ripe avocados
8 ounces bacon, cooked and crumbled
2 canned chipotle peppers, dried and diced
1/4 cup finely diced white onion
1 lime, juiced
Kosher salt
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
Instructions
Scoop the avocado into a bowl and mash it with a fork. Stir in the bacon, chipotle, onion, jalapeño, lime juice, salt, and cilantro. Serve with chips.
*When searching for a ripe avocado, look under the stem at the end. If it’s green, then the avocado is perfectly ripe.
A healthy snack from marthastewart.com
Ingredients
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/2 cup popcorn kernels
1 1/4 teaspoons chili powder
1 1/4 teaspoons ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
1 tablespoon finely grated lime zest
1 large lime wedge (or 2 limes)
Instructions
Heat 1 tablespoon oil with 3 popcorn kernels in a large, heavy saucepan over medium heat. When kernels pop, add remaining 1/2 cup kernels. Cook, covered, shaking pan occasionally, until popping slows down. Remove pan from heat; let stand, covered for 1 minute.
Stir together spices, salt, and zest in a small bowl. Toss hot popcorn with remaining tablespoon oil in a large bowl; sprinkle with spice mixture. Squeeze lime wedge over popcorn. Toss together.
A hearty appetizer from realsimple.com
Ingredients
6-ounce bag spicy pita chips
1 cup grated Parmesan
1/2 cup flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped (optional)
1 egg
1 1/2 pounds chicken cutlets, cut into 3-inch pieces
1 cup sour cream
4 scallions, trimmed and chopped
Instructions
Heat oven to 400° F.
Place the pita chips and Parmesan in a food processor. Pulse until coarsely ground. Transfer to a large bowl and stir in the parsley, if using.
In a medium bowl, beat the egg with 1 teaspoon water. Dip the chicken in the egg, letting any excess drip off, then in the pita-chip mixture, pressing gently to help it adhere.
Place the chicken pieces on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake until cooked through, 10 to 12 minutes.
In a small bowl, combine the sour cream and scallions and serve with the chicken for dipping.
3. Enjoy the game!
Once you’ve decorated and made these delicious snacks, it’s time to watch the game! As a host, you will make your guests more comfortable if you relax.
