If you just "watch" the game, this will be of little aid. Remember, it's early in the season; you'll have plenty of time to hone your hometown hand foods before the super bowl, which is sacred and has a its own set of game day gastro requirements. If you are an aficionado in for the season, take these tips and have a four hour tailgate party at home.
First of all you need a crockpot, a large T.V. at the very least, and probably cable. Where I live one of the Networks comes in unacceptably snowy via antenna. For quick, easy dishes check these crock recipes at Out of the Frying Pan. Use your imagination and plenty of cheese to personalize things. Food coloring, shaped or sculptured dipping foods, etc. Here are a few more tips:
- Watch with friends; if you drink, make it light beer. You'll get plenty of carbs and calories from all the snacks.
- Don't start throwing food at your friends until the third quarter. Don't throw cheese in any form, hors d'oeuvres dipped in cheese, or the crockpot.
- Don't start throwing objects and remaining cheese until the fourth quarter. Leave the crude in crudite.
- If you don't drink alcohol, try iced tea or mate. Mate's got a good kick to it. I prefer to be "up" for the game.
- Veggie platters don't have to be accessorized with ranch or sour cream dips. Try a light cream cheese (still relatively heavy in cals), Vegemite is good too.
- Guacamole is always a fave and goes great with beers of all varieties. I emphasize beer because mixed drinks or straight liquor inevitably lead to gratuitous cursing and food fighting after halftime. Save that for live games at the stadium.
- The best part of crookpot cooking for the media room is easy cleanup. There is rarely even a leftover celery stalk, and you just soak the crock until Monday morning, perhaps in preparation for Monday night.
To sum it up, chips and dip are fine, but treat your company to at least two hot-glops. You'll get invites for your efforts. Only order pizza twice a year, and then only from a specialty joint. Budget for the playoffs. Work your food prep around these times and schedules.
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