Monday, January 30, 2012

Big Blue not Big You Super Bowl Menu

Game over, just hoping this would deter you

There are times we skip on Super Bowl guidance but that will not be happening for Superbowl XLV1 (forty six in case your Roman numerals are failing you). With the Giants playing, many of our clients will be celebrating and this makes us more nervous than the game itself. Carolyn is going to give you a game plan, study these plays.

Come Super Bowl Sunday, there are two givens the Giants will be winning and most Americans will be eating. If you’re like us, you’re way more into the food stats than the football ones. As much as I love avocados, the 26 million of them consumed on Super Bowl Sunday is overkill. Imagine a 40-inch layer of guacamole across the field in the Superdome (we had to include the New Orleans somewhere in here). Then there’s the 28 million pounds of potato chips which lined up could span almost 1.5 times the distance to the moon and 1.25 billion, yup billion, chicken wings. This all gives new meaning to the word “super bowl” and explains why 7-eleven reports, a significant increase in antacid sales on the Monday after the Super Bowl.

It makes me chuckle that "Patriotic" choices like nachos and the giant preservative-filled party subs are some of the worst offenders. If that’s what you’re going to be faced with on game day, check out this article Lauren wrote on food fumbles and MVPs.

 If loaded nachos aren’t your style here’s our BIG BLUE, not big you menu (and yes we do know their jerseys on Sunday will be white):


Coughlin Chips and DipLaurel Hill Multigrain tortilla chips (on another day try the olive/caper flavor)  with Brooklyn Salsa Company Curry Salsa  (or homemade pico de gallo)

Cruz Crudité: carrot, celery sticks, sliced bell peppers, jicama, cauliflower, grape tomatoes with Bobbi’s Black Bean Hummus

Nicks’ Nuts: get your mind out of the gutter; we’re talking about Sheffa Mix or pistachios (~49 in a serving)

Pierre-Paul Popcorn: You know how we feel about homemade popcorn (1 tbs. oil to ½ cup kernels pop covered 3-4 min shaking occasionally), especially with a little truffle salt.

Quarterback Quality Cold Cuts: organic, nitrite-free Applegate turkey, ham and 
Manning-worthy Mustard: best stuff ever

No Penalty Pale Ale: Peak Organic Pale Ale. Unfortunately we have to think about pesticides in drinks, too.

Winning Spin on Wings: Enjoying the sweet taste of victory doesn’t mean you should go near the fried wings. A face full of bbq sauce doesn’t look good on anyone. If tempted, this is the one time we think it’s okay to say “what would Giselle do” (WWGD)?  Try these Baked Parmesan Garlic Wings (via Steamy Kitchen) and pair this recipe with Cochon or Crystal hot sauce.


Veggie or turkey chili, Paella, even sushi all work well for Super Bowl spreads. Leave the junky food to the commercials and don't be a 7-eleven statistic next Monday.
What are your favorite Super bowl snacks? Will you be watching the game? Do we dare ask who you’re rooting for?

24 comments:

  1. Great ideas here, thanks! I'm actually not an NFL girl, at all (we do college football here in Columbus!) but we're going to a superbowl party this year, so I'll have to look at this list to decide what to bring!!

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  2. I'm such a fan of the selfish hostess gift, here's a crudite platter I thought you'd love.

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  3. Everyone knows that if they come to my house for a party...they are getting a healthy twist on most things. I was going to make a veggie chili and a healthier pulled pork recipe I made last year for the meat lovers attending my party. I will also make a big greek salad, have veggie and hummus trays, raw nuts, and beer...go big or go home ha Oh and my hubby is make buffalo chicken dip. I have to admit...one of my favs. Moderation!!!

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  4. Your menu sounds great. I think people are split either a healthy-ish spread or it's football has to be football food. We've been to parties where it really is the 6 foot sub, beer and chips, gross.

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  5. haha we both mentioned 7-11 today =)
    Yes, we will be watching the game! Thanks for the great ideas!

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  6. I know nothing about football. I actually couldn't even tell you who is playing the Super Bowl. Even sadder? I don't think my husband knows either.

    If we were to watch I'd definitely be using your fabulous ideas!

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  7. Ameena, it's ok you can't be interested in EVERYTHING. One fewer food challenges for you. Ooh Lisa you didn't say who you were rooting for, uh ok.

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  8. I like the wing recipe and will use it!

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  9. Baked parmesan garlic wings!! That sounds amazing!
    We usually have a mix or both healthy and unhealthy items. That is usually the case at all my parents parties.
    I honestly go to chat and watch the commercials. My dad is rooting for the patriots though!

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  10. David/Kristen definitely try the recipe. Kristen, what's up with people in Vegas cheering for NE?

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  11. mmm, love brooklyn salsa! i'll be bringing my homemade guac and salsa to a party, but admittedly will be doing more eating than game watching... meh, it'll be fun anyway :)

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  12. And another addition to the avocado statistics, enjoy!

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  13. Great recipe ideas! I will be making grilled buffalo shrimp with blue cheese dipping sauce and guacamole with baked pita chips- add me to the avocado statistics! :)

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  14. Sonali- grilled buffalo shrimp, the recipe is on your site?

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  15. Really great snacking round up Lauren! And even though I don't consider myself a wing person, those garlic Parmesan wings sound fabulous. Usually we host a SB party at our house, but my husband will be out of thorn this year, so the kids and I are going to my in-laws. I will probably bring my Super Easy Super Cheesy Super Bowl, toast I made last year. Sorry I can't root for your Giants, but some of us (especially my husband) here in San Diego don't care much for the QB.

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  16. Some great nibbles recipe ideas, Lauren.
    About winter savory...it has a peppery flavour, and is perfectly suited to the stews or other slow cooked dishes.

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  17. Great ideas...but I have to confess that we always make supreme nachos and pigs in a blanket because my son love it...we made it a tradition once a year to do that! :)

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  18. These all sound like much better choices than the usual spread. I'm not a fan of football, but I enjoy the commercials and meeting up with friends!

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  19. I've never really been a fan of the super bowl regardless of the teams that are playing. Football just isn't my thing. I usually just hang out with my family during the day since my mom could care less as well!

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  20. Nice suggestions for substitutes! I am not a football fan. But it's hard not to get swept up in the excitement when the Giants are in!

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  21. Exactly sam "swept up" in snacks that's what worries me. Excitement isn't always good for our eating.

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  22. Oh these all sounds o good! Thanks for all of the great tips.

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  23. Hi Lauren! Thank you for some good ideas! I'm doing a "Superbowl Appetizer Makeover" as a cooking demo for employees at the hospital tomorrow. We're going to make fresh tomato salsa, guacamole (with peas hidden inside), and portobello skins rather than potato skins. Miss you guys!!!! Lisa

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