The Fledgling Gourmet

The super-bowl is getting closer and closer. And there is no better way to celebrate the biggest game of the year, than to eat until you fall into a coma and hopefully never wake up. The go-to plan for most super bowl parties is: buy a large variety of chips, various dips, pizza, wings, and maybe a 6 foot sub. While these are all very convenient and generally satisfying options, why not change things up a bit for the big game? Setting up a hot dog or chili bar is an easy and fun way to feed your guests with actual food. Just by cooking up a large number of hotdogs and keeping them warm beside a variety of toppings, such as chili, sliced jalapenos, melted cheese, diced onions, and of course the basics (ketchup, mustard, relish, sauerkraut, etc) you can keep your guests happy for the entire game. No fuss, no muss!

If you’re looking to feed an army of sports fans and make your house smell like heaven, cook up a large pot of chili. Here is a great chili recipe that is simple to make:


Ingredients
1 (14.5 ounce) can stewed tomatoes, chopped
1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste
1 onion, chopped
2 stalks celery, chopped
1/4 cup white wine
Crushed red pepper flakes (flakes get hotter when cooked, use accordingly)
1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper
1/4 cup chopped red bell pepper
1/3 cup steak sauce
5 slices bacon
1 1/2 pounds ground beef
1 package chili seasoning mix
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, drained
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Directions
In a pot over medium-low heat, combine tomatoes, tomato paste, onion, celery, wine, pepper flakes, bell peppers and steak sauce.
While mixture is simmering, cook bacon until crisp and drain.
Cook beef in bacon drippings until brown; drain.
Stir chili seasoning into ground beef.
Stir seasoned beef, cumin and bacon into tomato mixture.
Continue to simmer until well blended and add beans and parsley then serve.
You can make a whole batch of corn bread or biscuits to serve alongside the chili or you can serve with the typical crackers, tortilla chips, and bread. These are just 2 simple ideas for your super bowl party, the point is to be creative and not follow the chip and dip trend. By differentiating yourself, you can be sure your friends and family won’t forget game day at your house.