Game Day Foods

The big game is coming tomorrow. It's funny, I don't really remember watching the Super Bowl as a child. In college, it was a great excuse to get together with a group of friends and visit. After graduation, I continued to join friends for the game - we would visit, eat and watch the commercials. When we were first married, my husband and I even hosted a few Super Bowl Parties. The two things I remember about those parties are the food and the contest that one of his friends would do each year - in the form of a poll with questions about the coin toss result, the category of the first commercial after kick off, who would score the first field goal, who would punt first. It made it fun and kept everyone engaged in the game. When we moved to Ohio, we started to go to parties instead of hosting them. It is still fun for me, because I get to create fun dishes to share and visit with others. To me, I guess you could say it is more of a social and food experience than a game.

How are you planning to celebrate this Sunday?

Hormel Foods recently conducted a survey about different Big Game traditions and recipes.

The survey found that 57% of people, if given the choice, would want to have Rachael Ray plan their party menu. Do you have a favorite chef or celebrity that you would want to cater your party? Personally, I am torn. I have several favorite celebrity chefs. Alton Brown appeals to the scientist in me with the explanations that he provides. I also really like Rachel Ray. Her 30 minute meals are a favorite with me.

Did you know that 61% of those surveyed said that pizza is a top pick for their game day menu? I am a fan of the classics, but I also like to bring new ideas to the table when we celebrate. One of my favorite new ideas from last year is Buffalo Chicken Rolls - they are easy to prepare, super tasty and a lot neater to eat than a stack of wings.

Other survey findings:

With this year's game in New Orleans, maybe it is time to try out a Cajun style meal. Maybe swap out the chili for some Easy Cajun Jambalaya - a quick recipe to spice things up in classic New Orleans style.

How will you celebrate the big game? Do watch the game or just the commercials? What is your favorite game-time food?

No compensation was received for this post. All opinions expressed are mine or those of my family. I am completing this post as a participant in the Hormel Foods Extended Family Blogger program. Hormel Foods provided some of the information for this post.