Setting the Scene
Throwing a successful Super Bowl party is lots of fun and nearly effortless. Most people will simply be looking forward to drinking a ridiculous amount of beer and yelling obscenities at the television screen. Be sure to invite guests over well in advance of the 6 p.m. kickoff so nobody misses the chance to have some pre-game fun and engage in a little friendly wagering. To get the party started, have all your guests throw some money in a betting pool. Write the numbers 0-9 on slips of paper and place them in a hat. Let everyone pull out a number (the numbers can repeat if there are more than 10 people). At halftime and at the end of the game, the number corresponding to the units digit of the combined scores is the lucky number; give away half the money at half time and the rest with the final score. A pool is a great way to get everyone involved and set the tone for the night.
Showin’ a Little Spirit
As the game gets underway and the competition heats up, treat guests to some cold drinks and delicious munchies. Aside from offering the usual staples of party trays and chips-n-salsa, make an effort to mix things up by infusing some team spirit. Try replacing a keg with some refreshing Seattle-brewed Redhook and Pyramid, or impress your guests by providing some ice-cold Yuengling straight from Pennsylvania. If you’re rooting for the Steelers, mix in some yellow, red, and blue touches; pixie sticks, peanut M&Ms, and suckers are just a few examples of snacks that can be color-coded. If you’re a Seahawks fan, bright colors may not be an option, but you can use your imagination to come up with some entertaining ways of showing team pride: celebrate Seattle’s tradition of great seafood with appetizers such as calamari or crowd-pleasing popcorn shrimp.
Touchdown in the Kitchen
Super Bowl festivities can extend far into the night. Staving off your guests’ hunger for the duration of the game can be quite a task, so be sure to have a few substantial and filling dishes on hand. Ordering pizza and wings is always a good call, but the truly dedicated host will treat his guests to some lovin’ in the oven. Providing hungry fans with homemade chile con queso will guarantee requests for a Super Bowl XLI party. The simple recipe is sure to be a hit and will provide a measure of comfort to even the most disappointed Seahawks fan. If nothing else, a great Super Bowl party provides great food with which fans can drown their sorrows.
Chile con queso
Provided by cooks.com
1 8oz container of cream cheese, room temperature
1 10oz can of Frito bean dip (can be substituted with seasoned ground beef)
20 drops of Tabasco sauce
1 tbsp crushed red pepper
1 cup sour cream
1?2 of a green onion (scallion), sliced
1?2 package of taco seasoning mix
1 8oz bag of shredded cheddar cheese
1 8oz bag of Monterey jack cheese
1 bag of tortilla chips
Mix cream cheese, bean dip, Tabasco sauce, red pepper, sour cream, green onion, and taco seasoning, mix together (preferably with an electric mixer). Pour half of the mixture into an oven safe bowl; cover bowl with 1?2 bag of cheddar cheese and 1?2 bag of Monterey Jack cheese. Repeat layers. Bake in oven at 350° for 20 minutes. Mix before serving. Serve with tortilla chips (duh).
