I am a lover of many things, but at the very top of my list (until track season, anyway) are food...WINE...and? FOOTBALL. I am the Commish of a Fantasy Football League, aptly named Fantasy Fillies..and...I was the champion this season. Who were my quarterbacks? TOM BRADY and MATT RYAN......Go ME. But, this post is not as much about football as it is about FOOTBALL FARE. NO need to be DEF:LATED (😂😂😂😂) if your team is busy scouting draft prospects, rather than playing in the Mother of ALL Grid Iron games. IF you are a football fan, you're WATCHING The Super Bowl on Sunday. Hells bells, even if you're NOT a football fan, you are most likely watching, albeit under some duress. One fact that remains undisputed is this: Super Bowl Sunday is an excuse to PIGSKIN OUT. And, I'm talking about foods that you do NOT admit that you ever ingest, when your Doctor asks. Yes...on Super Bowl Sunday, the major food groups become Cheese, Meat, and Alcohol. (and not necessarily in that order) So...what's cooking in Patti's Bitchin' Kitchen THIS year? I often decide my Football Fare based on the teams that are playing, and this year is no exception...read on...get a little inspiration of your own...and may the BEST VICTUALS claim VICTORY. Representing the AFC...THE New England Patriots. The Dishes: Cape Cod Chips w/caramelized onion dip ( a bit more work, but definitely better than the dip in a tub) Lobstah Cobb: It is easy to find pre-cooked lobsters in most grocery stores these days, if you are not up to steaming the little buggers yourself. Mix lobster meat with chunks of avocado, bits of bacon, and dress with a scant amount of lemon and dijon mayo. Yankee Pot Roast Slidaaaahs: Simply make your favorite pot roast recipe in your slow cooker the day before. The day of the game, just pull part with a fork and toss them on a slider roll. Whiskey Dogs: EASIEST app on the planet...little weiners, bourbon, ketchup and brown sugar. I sometimes toss a little chili sauce for a but of heat, but it's NOT required. Patriots Potato Salad: Use your fave tater salad recipe, substituting a mix of baby red and purple potatoes...until I can find BLUE potatoes, purple will have to suffice. Sam Adams Cheddar Fondue: Beer...cheese...I believe I have your attention. Dessert: WHOOPIE PIES. If you've never had them, you have NO idea what you're missing. Not only are these little beauties the official dessert of Maine, Marshmallow Fluff was invented in Massachusetts. WICKED GOOD. Representing the NFC...The HOTLANTA Falcons. The Dishes: Mamie's Cheese Wafers: Find these little coins of happiness in the frozen section of Fresh Market. You'll be glad you did. Patti's Pimento Cheese: I like to think that I contributed to the current Pimento Cheese Passion that seems to abound on local menus lately. I've been on it for YEARS. #DEVILFANTASY Eggs: I don't believe you are permitted to attend ANY gathering in the South unless you love deviled eggs. And...I LOVE them. Easy to adapt to your favorite flavor profiles as well....toss in some chopped bacon, a little chipotle puree...or go traditional with a little pickle relish. I've never met a deviled egg I didn't like. Sausage Balls: Great BALLS of FIRE, these are easy and tasty!!! Straight out of Paula Deen's Savannah Country Cookbook. Ok--Savannah isn't Atlanta, but it's damn close.,..and well...SAUSAGE BALLS. Country Ham and Biscuits: SO simple. Try to avoid the temptation to purchase those Spiral-Sliced numbers, as you really want thick chunks of ham on your biscuits, not pretty little slices. And, if you're not up to making scratch biscuits? No big deal...buy Pillsbury Frozen Buttermilk Biscuits or Callie's Biscuits (also at Fresh)..or visit your favorite local bakery and buy some. NO ONE WILL CARE. Traditional Southern Potato Salad: Taters, Celery, Onion, Seasoning, DUKE'S Mayo, splash vinegar. Optional: pickle relish Hummingbird Cupcakes: Now, I admit, I ordered the Whoopies from a bakery in Maine...but the Hummingbird Cuppies, I am making myself. It's like a spice cake on steroids...flavored with pineapple , cinnamon, bananas and pecans...it is THE quintessential Southern dessert. Topped with a little cream cheese frosting and garnished with a slice of dried pineapple...Y'ALL with me???? Happy SUPER BOWL SUNDAY!!!!! #goPATS |